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Congressional Daily Record
This section is about changes proposed to a bill or resolution. It mentions committees such as Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, members such as Mark Edward Kelly.
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June 24, 2026
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Download official Senate Record PDFReturn to issue context## Quick facts - **Record:** Senate Floor - **Section type:** Amendments - **Chamber:** Senate - **Date:** June 24, 2026 - **Congress:** 119th Congress - **Why this source matters:** This section came from the Senate floor portion of the record. ## Linked context - **People mentioned:** [Kelly, Mark](/members/K000377) - **Committees:** [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation](/committees/sscm00), [Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure](/committees/hspw00) ## Readable version of the official text SA 6376. Mr. KELLY \(for himself and Mr. Young\) submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by him to the bill S. 4784, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2027 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as follows: At the appropriate place in title X, insert the following: SEC. . SHIP AMERICAN. \(a\) In General.—Chapter 553 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: “SUBCHAPTER IV—SHIP AMERICA OFFICE “Sec. 55341. Establishment of Ship America Office “\(a\) Establishment.—The Maritime Administrator shall establish within the Maritime Administration an office to be known as the \`Ship America Office'. The Maritime Administrator shall appoint the head of the Ship America Office \(in this section referred to as the \`Ship America Associate Administrator'\). “\(b\) Duties.—The Ship America Associate Administrator shall have the following duties: “\(1\) Providing assistance to private sector entities, Federal financial assistance recipients, Federal agencies, Federal contractors, and owners and operators of oceangoing vessels of the United States to facilitate the movement of commercial and government cargo on vessels of the United States in international commerce. “\(2\) Maximizing compliance across Federal agencies with this chapter, section 2631 of title 10, and any other cargo preference law of the United States. “\(3\) Providing training and assistance to Federal employees, in all Federal agencies responsible for shipping preference cargo, on the legal obligations under this chapter, section 2631 of title 10, and any other cargo preference law of the United States. “\(4\) Developing a \`Ship America' verification program to develop self-certification industry standards, in partnership with private sector entities, to allow private sector entities to verifiably demonstrate that a product was transported to the United States aboard a vessel of the United States. “\(5\) Supporting the efforts of the executive branch to develop and sustain a fleet of vessels of the United States and maritime industrial base to meet the sealift needs of Federal agencies. “\(6\) Where practicable, making accessible, and regularly updating, the publicly available contact information for oceangoing vessels of the United States for the purposes of moving international commerce. “\(7\) Publishing, and regularly updating, centralized information on the commercial benefits available to private sector entities for moving commercial cargo on oceangoing vessels of the United States. “\(8\) Preparing the reports under subsection \(c\). “\(c\) Reports Required.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, and biennially thereafter, the Maritime Administrator, acting through the Ship America Associate Administrator, shall report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on— “\(1\) the opportunities and challenges faced by commercial entities to move cargo on oceangoing vessels of the United States; and “\(2\) recommendations to increase international commerce moving on vessels of the United States. “\(d\) Preventing Duplication.— “\(1\) In general.—In establishing the Ship America Office, the Administrator shall ensure that the activities of the Office do not duplicate existing programs or activities of the Maritime Administration. “\(2\) Integration.—To the maximum extent practicable, the Secretary shall transfer and integrate to the Ship America Office all functions described in subsection \(b\) that were being carried out by personnel and programs of the Maritime Administration on the day before the date of enactment of this section.”. \(b\) Goods Imported on Vessels of the United States.— Chapter 605 of title 46, United States Code, is amended— \(1\) in section 60502\(a\)\(1\)— \(A\) in the matter preceding subparagraph \(A\), by striking “the vessel”; \(B\) in subparagraph \(A\), by striking “is entitled” and all that follows through “imported in” and inserting the following: “the cost of importing goods aboard the vessel is comparable to or greater than the cost of importing goods aboard”; and \(C\) in subparagraph \(B\)— \(i\) by striking “\(i\) is owned” and inserting the following: “the vessel— “ “\(i\) is owned”; and \(ii\) by adjusting the margins of clause \(ii\) appropriately; and \(2\) in section 60503\(a\), by inserting “, except for the duties imposed under section 60502 of this title,” after “suspension of discriminating duties”. \(c\) Priority for Vessels of the United States.—Part D of subtitle V of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting after chapter 553 the following: “CHAPTER 555—PRIORITY FOR VESSELS OF THE UNITED STATES “Sec. “55501. Priority for vessels of the United States. “Sec. 55501. Priority for vessels of the United States “\(a\) In General.—The Secretary of Transportation may allow a vessel of the United States to be given priority at any port in the United States, ahead of a waiting vessel of a country that is a covered nation \(as defined in section 4872\(f\)\(2\) of title 10\)\). “\(b\) Exception.—Notwithstanding subsection \(a\), if the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, finds that it is in the national interest, the Secretary may waive the priority under this section at any port. The Secretary shall report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, by not later than 30 days after an action waiving priority under this section at a port.”. \(d\) Moving Cargo on Vessels of the United States.— \(1\) Assessment required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Maritime Readiness Advisor, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Secretary of Commerce, the Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission, and the United States Trade Representative, shall— \(A\) conduct an assessment that identifies authorities available under current Federal law, as of the date of such identification, that may be utilized to incentivize the movement of commercial cargo on vessels of the United States in international commerce; \(B\) review methods for greater assurances of access, in crisis and conflict, to vessels of international allies and partners of the United States; and \(C\) make recommendations to the President to utilize such authorities. \(2\) Inclusions.—With respect to goods shipped directly to ports in the United States, the assessment required under paragraph \(1\) shall include an evaluation of— \(A\) tax benefits for taxpayers who ship goods aboard vessels of the United States; \(B\) modifications to import duties for goods imported or exported aboard vessels of the United States; \(C\) privileges for vessels of the United States that enable vessels of the United States to provide improved service relative to other vessels in international commerce; and \(D\) any other authorities that would incentivize the movement of goods aboard vessels of the United States. \(3\) Report to congress.—Upon carrying out the assessment required under paragraph \(1\), the Secretary of Transportation shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives— \(A\) a list of the recommendations made under paragraph \(1\)\(C\); and \(B\) a list of additional actions that could be taken by Congress to further incentivize the movement of commercial cargo on vessels of the United States. \(e\) Energizing American Shipbuilding.— \(1\) National policy on strategic energy asset export transportation.— \(A\) Requirement for transportation of exports of natural gas on vessels documented under laws of the united states.— Section 3 of the Natural Gas Act \(15 U.S.C. 717b\) is amended by adding at the end the following: “\(g\) Transportation of Exports of Natural Gas on Vessels Documented Under Laws of the United States.— “\(1\) Condition for approval.—Except as provided in paragraph \(7\), with respect to an application to export natural gas under subsection \(a\), the Commission shall include in the order issued for that application the condition that the person submitting the application transport the natural gas on a vessel that meets the requirements described in paragraph \(3\). “\(2\) Purpose.—The purpose of the requirement under paragraph \(1\) is to ensure that, of all natural gas exported by vessel in a calendar year, the following percentage is exported by a vessel that meets the requirements described in paragraph \(3\): “\(A\) In each of the 7 calendar years following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted, not less than 2 percent. “\(B\) In each of the 8th and 9th calendar years following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted, not less than 3 percent. “\(C\) In each of the 10th and 11th calendar years following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted, not less than 4 percent. “\(D\) In each of the 12th and 13th calendar years following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted, not less than 6 percent. “\(E\) In each of the 14th and 15th calendar years following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted, not less than 7 percent. “\(F\) In each of the 16th and 17th calendar years following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted, not less than 9 percent. “\(G\) In each of the 18th and 19th calendar years following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted, not less than 11 percent. “\(H\) In each of the 20th and 21st calendar years following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted, not less than 13 percent. “\(I\) In the 22nd calendar year after the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted and each calendar year thereafter, not less than 15 percent. “\(3\) Requirements for vessels.—A vessel meets the requirements described in this paragraph— “\(A\) with respect to each of the 5 calendar years following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted— “\(i\) if— “\(I\) the vessel is documented under the laws of the United States; and “\(II\) with respect to any retrofit work necessary for the vessel to export natural gas— “\(aa\) such work is done in a shipyard in the United States; and “\(bb\) any component of the vessel listed in paragraph \(4\) that is installed during the course of such work is manufactured in the United States; or “\(ii\) if— “\(I\) the vessel is built in the United States; “\(II\) the vessel is documented under the laws of the United States; “\(III\) all major components of the hull and superstructure of the vessel are manufactured \(including all manufacturing processes from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings for iron or steel products\) in the United States; and “\(IV\) the components of the vessel listed in paragraph \(4\) are manufactured in the United States; and “\(B\) with respect to the 6th calendar year following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted, and each calendar year thereafter, if the vessel meets the requirements of subparagraph \(A\)\(ii\). “\(4\) Components.—The components of a vessel listed in this paragraph are the following: “\(A\) Air circuit breakers. “\(B\) Welded shipboard anchor and mooring chain. “\(C\) Powered and non-powered valves in Federal Supply Classes 4810 and 4820 used in piping. “\(D\) Machine tools in the Federal Supply Classes for metal-working machinery numbered 3405, 3408, 3410 through 3419, 3426, 3433, 3438, 3441 through 3443, 3445, 3446, 3448, 3449, 3460, and 3461. “\(E\) Auxiliary equipment for shipboard services, including pumps. “\(F\) Propulsion equipment, including engines, propulsion motors, reduction gears, and propellers. “\(G\) Shipboard cranes. “\(H\) Spreaders for shipboard cranes. “\(I\) Rotating electrical equipment, including electrical alternators and motors. “\(J\) Compressors, pumps, and heat exchangers used in managing and re-liquefying boil-off gas from liquefied natural gas. “\(5\) Waiver authority.—The Commission may waive the requirement under clause \(i\)\(II\)\(bb\) or \(ii\)\(IV\), as applicable, of paragraph \(3\)\(A\) with respect to a component of a vessel if the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating determines that— “\(A\) application of the requirement would— “\(i\) result in an increase of 25 percent or more in the cost of the component of the vessel; or “\(ii\) cause unreasonable delays to be incurred in building or retrofitting the vessel; or “\(B\) such component is not manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities of a satisfactory quality. “\(6\) Opportunities for credentialed merchant mariners.— Except as provided in paragraph \(7\), the Commission shall include, in any order issued under subsection \(a\) that authorizes a person to export natural gas, a condition that the person provide opportunities for individuals with a merchant mariner credential \(as defined in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code\) to receive experience and training necessary to become credentialed in working on a vessel transporting natural gas. “\(7\) Exception.—The Commission may not include in any order issued under subsection \(a\) authorizing a person to export natural gas to a nation with which there is in effect a free trade agreement requiring national treatment for trade in natural gas a condition described in paragraph \(1\), or a condition described in paragraph \(6\), if the United States Trade Representative certifies to the Commission, in writing, that such condition would violate obligations of the United States under such free trade agreement. “\(8\) Use of federal information.—In carrying out paragraph \(1\), the Commission— “\(A\) shall use information made available by— “\(i\) the Energy Information Administration; or “\(ii\) any other Federal agency or entity the Commission determines appropriate; and “\(B\) may use information made available by a private entity only if applicable information described in subparagraph \(A\) is not available.”. \(B\) Conforming amendment.—Section 3\(c\) of the Natural Gas Act \(15 U.S.C. 717b\(c\)\) is amended by striking “or the exportation of natural gas” and inserting “or, subject to subsection \(g\), the exportation of natural gas”. \(2\) Crude oil.—Section 101 of title I of division O of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016 \(42 U.S.C. 6212a\) is amended— \(A\) in subsection \(b\), by striking “subsections \(c\) and \(d\)” and inserting “subsections \(c\), \(d\), and \(e\)”; and \(B\) by adding at the end the following: “\(e\) Transportation of Exports of Crude Oil on Vessels Documented Under Laws of the United States.— “\(1\) In general.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law and except as provided in paragraph \(6\), as a condition to export crude oil, the President shall require that a person exporting crude oil transport the crude oil on a vessel that meets the requirements described in paragraph \(3\). “\(2\) Purpose.—The purpose of the requirement under paragraph \(1\) is to ensure that, of all crude oil exported by vessel in a calendar year, the following percentage is exported by a vessel that meets the requirements described in paragraph \(3\): “\(A\) In each of the 7 calendar years following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted, not less than 3 percent. “\(B\) In each of the 8th, 9th, and 10th calendar years following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted, not less than 6 percent. “\(C\) In each of the 11th, 12th, and 13th calendar years following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted, not less than 8 percent. “\(D\) In the 14th calendar year following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted and each calendar year thereafter, not less than 10 percent. “\(3\) Requirements for vessels.—A vessel meets the requirements described in this paragraph— “\(A\) with respect to each of the 4 calendar years following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted— “\(i\) if— “\(I\) the vessel is documented under the laws of the United States; and “\(II\) with respect to any retrofit work necessary for the vessel to export crude oil— “\(aa\) such work is done in a shipyard in the United States; and “\(bb\) any component of the vessel listed in paragraph \(4\) that is installed during the course of such work is manufactured in the United States; or “\(ii\) if— “\(I\) the vessel is built in the United States; “\(II\) the vessel is documented under the laws of the United States; “\(III\) all major components of the hull and superstructure of the vessel are manufactured \(including all manufacturing processes from the initial melting stage through the application of coatings for iron or steel products\) in the United States; and “\(IV\) the components of the vessel listed in paragraph \(4\) are manufactured in the United States; and “\(B\) with respect to the 5th calendar year following the calendar year in which this subsection is enacted and each calendar year thereafter, if the vessel meets the requirements of subparagraph \(A\)\(ii\). “\(4\) Components.—The components of a vessel listed in this paragraph are the following: “\(A\) Air circuit breakers. “\(B\) Welded shipboard anchor and mooring chain. “\(C\) Powered and non-powered valves in Federal Supply Classes 4810 and 4820 used in piping. “\(D\) Machine tools in the Federal Supply Classes for metal-working machinery numbered 3405, 3408, 3410 through 3419, 3426, 3433, 3438, 3441 through 3443, 3445, 3446, 3448, 3449, 3460, and 3461. “\(E\) Auxiliary equipment for shipboard services, including pumps. “\(F\) Propulsion equipment, including engines, propulsion motors, reduction gears, and propellers. “\(G\) Shipboard cranes. “\(H\) Spreaders for shipboard cranes. “\(I\) Rotating electrical equipment, including electrical alternators and motors. “\(5\) Waiver authority.—The President may waive the requirement under clause \(i\)\(II\)\(bb\) or clause \(ii\)\(IV\), as applicable, of paragraph \(3\)\(A\) with respect to a component of a vessel if the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating determines that— “\(A\) application of the requirement would— “\(i\) result in an increase of 25 percent or more in the cost of the component of the vessel; or “\(ii\) cause unreasonable delays to be incurred in building or retrofitting the vessel; or “\(B\) such component is not manufactured in the United States in sufficient and reasonably available quantities of a satisfactory quality. “\(6\) Exception.—The President may not, under paragraph \(1\), condition the export of crude oil to a nation with which there is in effect a free trade agreement requiring national treatment for trade in crude oil if the United States Trade Representative certifies to the President, in writing, that such condition would violate obligations of the United States under such free trade agreement. “\(7\) Opportunities for credentialed merchant mariners.— The Maritime Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, shall ensure that the owner or operator of a vessel documented under chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code, transporting crude oil provides opportunities for individuals with a merchant mariner credential \(as defined in section 2101 of title 46, United States Code\) to receive experience and training necessary to become credentialed in working on such vessels. “\(8\) Use of federal information.—In carrying out paragraph \(1\), the President— “\(A\) shall use information made available by— “\(i\) the Energy Information Administration; or “\(ii\) any other Federal agency or entity the Commission determines appropriate; and “\(B\) may use information made available by a private entity only if applicable information described in subparagraph \(A\) is not available.”. \(3\) Energy information administration information.—The Secretary of Energy, acting through the Administrator of the Energy Information Administration \(referred to in this section as the “Secretary”\), shall collect, and make readily available to the public on the internet website of the Energy Information Administration, information on exports by vessel of natural gas and crude oil, including— \(A\) forecasts for, and data on, those exports for the calendar year following the calendar year in which this Act is enacted and each calendar year thereafter; and \(B\) forecasts for those exports for multi-year periods after the date of enactment of this Act, as determined appropriate by the Secretary. \(f\) Importation of Chinese Goods on American Ships.— Chapter 605 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: “Sec. 60508. Importation of Chinese goods on American ships “\(a\) In General.—Notwithstanding any other provision of law, beginning on the date that is 1 year after the date on which the final rule required under subsection \(d\) is published in the Federal Register, each shipper shall ensure that for each year, not less than the covered percentage applicable for that year, as described in subsection \(b\), of covered goods by tonnage imported into the United States by the shipper from a foreign port or place, excluding any port or place in North America, is imported on a vessel of the United States that is in compliance with the applicable requirements of section 8103 of this title. “\(b\) Percentage.—The covered percentage under this section is the following: “\(1\) One percent for the year that begins on the date that is 1 year after the date on which the final rule required under subsection \(d\) is published in the Federal Register. “\(2\) Two percent for the year that begins on the date that is 2 years after the date on which such final rule is so published. “\(3\) Three percent for the year that begins on the date that is 3 years after the date on which such final rule is so published. “\(4\) Four percent for the year that begins on the date that is 4 years after the date on which such final rule is so published. “\(5\) Five percent for the year that begins on the date that is 5 years after the date on which such final rule is so published. “\(6\) Six percent for the year that begins on the date that is 6 years after the date on which such final rule is so published. “\(7\) Seven percent for the year that begins on the date that is 7 years after the date on which such final rule is so published. “\(8\) Eight percent for the year that begins on the date that is 8 years after the date on which such final rule is so published. “\(9\) Nine percent for the year that begins on the date that is 9 years after the date on which such final rule is so published. “\(10\) Ten percent— “\(A\) for the year that begins on the date that is 10 years after the date on which such final rule is so published; and “\(B\) for each year thereafter. “\(c\) Fine for Failure to Comply.— “\(1\) In general.—On an annual basis, the Maritime Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall issue a fine to any shipper failing to comply with the requirements under this section. “\(2\) Amount.—The amount of a fine under this section shall be in an amount set by the Maritime Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, that is greater than the difference in cost between— “\(A\) the cost of employing a vessel of the United States that is in compliance with the applicable requirements of section 8103 of this title; and “\(B\) the cost of employing a foreign vessel that is registered under the laws of a country with an open registry. “\(3\) Use of amounts.—Any amount collected under this subsection shall be deposited in the Maritime Security Trust Fund established under section 50301\(b\) of this title. “\(d\) Rulemaking Required.—Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this section, the Maritime Administrator, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, shall promulgate a final rule that establishes a system that— “\(1\) identifies persons and goods that are subject to the requirements of this section; “\(2\) establishes requirements for such persons and goods that meet the applicable percentages established under subsection \(b\); “\(3\) establishes clear enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with this section; and “\(4\) determines the amount of a fine issued under subsection \(c\). “\(e\) Authorization of Appropriations.—For each fiscal year, there is authorized to be appropriated, out of the Maritime Security Trust Fund established under section 50301\(b\) of this title, an amount sufficient to reimburse the Maritime Administrator for the costs incurred under this section, including administrative expenses. “\(f\) Definitions.—In this section: “\(1\) Country with an open registry.—The term \`country with an open registry' means a country that allows vessels to be documented under the laws of the country, without regard to the citizenship of the owner of the vessel or the citizenship of the crew of the vessel. “\(2\) Covered goods.—The term \`covered goods' means goods manufactured in the People's Republic of China. “\(3\) Shipper.—The term \`shipper' has the meaning given such term in section 40102 of this title.”. ## Official source - [Download the official section PDF](https://api.govinfo.gov/packages/CREC-2026-06-24/granules/CREC-2026-06-24-pt1-PgS3504/pdf)