Sponsors (3)
Ask me why this bill matters.
This is not an official government website.
Copyright © 2026 PLEJ LC. All rights reserved.
Adds a new subsection (e) to 46 U.S.C. 50501 creating exceptions for 'foreign qualified freight vessel' as defined in 46 U.S.C. 55102(c) for transportation referred to in 46 U.S.C. 55102(c)(2)(B).
Adds new subsections (f) and (g) to 46 U.S.C. 56101: (f) permits the Secretary to grant approval under subsection (a) for transfer of foreign qualified freight vessels before documentation to promote transfer to chapter 121 documentation for specified transportation; (g) defines 'foreign qualified freight vessel' by reference to 46 U.S.C. 55102(c).
Redesignates existing subsection (c) as subsection (d) and inserts a new subsection (c) creating a "Noncontiguous trade exemption" that excludes subsection (b) from applying to transportation in noncontiguous trade of merchandise on a defined "foreign qualified freight vessel" for which the Secretary of Transportation has issued a certificate of documentation under chapter 121; includes definitions for "foreign qualified freight vessel" and "noncontiguous trade."
Amends clause (ii) (punctuation), replaces 'and' with 'or' in clause (iii), and adds a new clause (iv) to include foreign qualified freight vessels (as defined in 55102(c)) used for the transportation described in 55102(c) for which the Secretary of Transportation has issued a certificate of documentation.
This bill would let certain foreign-flag cargo ships carry goods between the U.S. mainland and places like Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories, and also between two ports in those areas. These ships would have to qualify under set rules and get U.S. documentation before operating. All vessels in this trade would have to follow minimum international labor standards and U.S. environmental standards. Foreign vessel owners would also have to follow U.S. laws, name a U.S. agent for legal notices, and keep key paperwork on board. Crew injury or death lawsuits would be heard in a U.S. district court near where the incident happened .
The goal is to open more shipping options for noncontiguous parts of the United States while holding all ships to the same safety, labor, and environmental rules .
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, 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 January 23, 2025 by Ed Case · Last progress January 23, 2025
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E90-91)
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 Education and Workforce, 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