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Amends 19 U.S.C. 1466(h) by modifying punctuation in existing paragraphs (3) and (4) and adding a new paragraph (5) that exempts the cost of repairs made in a shipyard located in a country listed on the Foreign Ally Shipping Registry pursuant to 46 U.S.C. 55124(d) with respect to documented vessels (as defined in 46 U.S.C. 106).
Modifies clause (ii) and clause (iii) punctuation and adds a new clause (iv) providing that a vessel built in a country listed on the Foreign Ally Shipping Registry as of the date of issuance of the coastwise endorsement qualifies under the clause.
Revises subsection (b) by replacing the phrase "outside the United States" with "in a country other than the United States that is not listed on the Foreign Ally Shipping Registry under section 55124(d)" and adds a new subsection (c) prohibiting vessels built or rebuilt in a country other than the United States that are eligible to engage in coastwise trade from engaging in such trade during any period in which that country is not listed on the Foreign Ally Shipping Registry, beginning on the effective date of removal.
Adds new section 55124 establishing (a) definition of a "qualified vessel" (ownership and flagging criteria tied to countries on the Foreign Ally Shipping Registry), (b) authorization authority for the Secretary of Transportation to permit qualified vessels to transport merchandise between U.S. coastwise points (authorizations up to 5 years with renewals, revocation rules, owner notification requirement), (c) a prohibition on enforcing certain crewing and credentialing citizenship requirements for nationals of the U.S. or countries on the Registry when employed on authorized qualified vessels, and (d) creation and procedures for a Foreign Ally Shipping Registry maintained by the Secretary of State in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard (including removal procedures, congressional notice timing, effective dates of removal, immediate removal upon declaration of war, and inclusion of NATO member countries unless removed).
This bill would let the Secretary of Transportation allow certain ships from allied countries to carry goods between U.S. ports. It covers ships that are registered in allied countries, owned by people from those countries, or crewed by their citizens. It creates an exception so these allied ships can do some “coastwise” trips when the Secretary approves it.
In plain terms, it opens the door for trusted allies to help move merchandise within the United States when needed, under rules set by the Transportation Department.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced August 1, 2025 by Ed Case · Last progress August 1, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Introduced in House
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E747)