H.R. 3940

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To repeal the Jones Act restrictions on coastwise trade, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · June 12, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. McClintock · Committee: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

Table of contents

• H.R. 3940
  • SEC. 1. Short title
  • SEC. 2. Repeal of certain limitations on coastwise trade

SEC. 1. Short title

• This Act may be cited as the Open America's Waters Act.

SEC. 2. Repeal of certain limitations on coastwise trade

• (a) In general
  • A coastwise endorsement may be issued for a vessel that qualifies under the laws of the United States to engage in the coastwise trade.
  • Section 12112(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
• (b) Regulations
  • Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard shall issue regulations to implement the amendment made by subsection (a) that require all vessels permitted to engage in the coastwise trade to meet all appropriate safety and security requirements.
• (c) Conforming amendments
  • (1) Tank vessel construction standards
    • Section 3703a(c)(1)(C) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking .
  • (2) Liquified gas tankers
    • Section 12120 of such title is amended by striking and all that follows and inserting a period.
  • (3) Small passenger vessels
    • Section 12121(b) of such title is amended—
      • by striking ; and
      • by striking .
  • (4) Loss of coastwise trade privileges
    • Section 12132 of such title is repealed.
  • (5) Oil spill response vessels
    • Section 12117(b) of such title is amended by striking sections 12103, 12132, and 50501and inserting sections 12103 and 50501.
  • (6) Optional regulatory measurement
    • Section 14305(a)(6) of such title is amended by striking sections 12118 and 12132and inserting section 12118.
  • (7) Court sales of undocumented vessels
    • Section 31329(b) of such title is amended—
      • in paragraph (1), by striking ;and inserting ; and;
      • in paragraph (2), by striking and inserting a period; and; and
      • by striking paragraph (3).
  • (8) Clerical amendment
    • The table of sections for of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 12132. chapter 121