House Passes Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson’s Sanctioning Sea Pirates Act to Protect Global Commerce and U.S. Security

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (IL-01) announced the passage of H.R. 1998, the Sanctioning Sea Pirates Act, landmark legislation to combat the rising threat of piracy in critical global shipping lanes and safeguard the economic and national security interests of the United States.

“Over the last few years, we have seen how fragile global supply chains can be and how disruptions in key maritime routes can lead to shortages and inflation here at home,” said Congressman Jackson. “More than 30% of global container trade passes through the Red Sea. When pirates and terrorists threaten these waters, American consumers and businesses feel the impact in the form of higher prices and delayed goods.”

The Sanctioning Sea Pirates Act imposes targeted sanctions on individuals and entities engaged in piracy worldwide, including asset freezes and denial of entry into the United States. The legislation comes in response to a surge in attacks by both Houthi militants and Somali pirates in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which have reached levels unseen in a decade.

“As an international leader in trade and security, the United States must act decisively to stop piracy and secure global waterways for the safety of ships, crew members, and the critical supply chains that support our economy,” Jackson continued. “This bill is also a necessary step to support the development and stability of African economies, particularly Somalia, which has been plagued by piracy and its devastating effects.”

Piracy is often linked to terrorism and organized crime, posing a broader threat to international security and the global maritime order. The Sanctioning Sea Pirates Act reaffirms the United States’ commitment to global economic stability, the rule of law, and the safety of seafarers worldwide.

“Attacks on maritime shipping endanger innocent lives, destabilize local communities in Yemen and the Horn of Africa, and raise the cost of everyday goods for hardworking American families,” said Jackson. “By imposing stiff sanctions, this bill will help suppress the destabilizing threat posed by pirates and take a step toward greater stability and safety for both the United States and East Africa.”

Congressman Jackson thanks his colleagues in the House for passing this critical legislation and joining him in the fight to protect global commerce and advance international security.

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