S-4369 : Still Just a Bill

The Secure Smartports Act of 2024, introduced as S. 4369, directs the Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center to develop a strategy and conduct outreach to United States industry, specifically targeting:

• Shipping companies
• Port operators
• Logistics firms

The outreach aims to address the risks associated with smartport technology originating from the People's Republic of China, as well as related risks posed by entities such as:

• LOGINK
• China Ocean Shipping Company, Limited (COSCO)
• China Communications Construction Company, Limited (CCCC)
• China Media Group (CMG)
• Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company Limited (ZPMC)

The purpose is to safeguard U.S. national security, supply chains, and commercial activities against potential disruptions, delays, or access denial to essential systems and technologies. The Director is required to align the strategy with existing executive orders and statutory authorities, including:

• Part 6 of title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, as amended by Executive Order 14116
• Executive Order 14017
• Section 825 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024

The Director must coordinate with the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence, and other relevant federal agency heads.