Sponsors
The bill makes it easier and faster for coastwise-qualified vessels to operate and forces quick Coast Guard rulemaking to improve safety and lower shipping costs, but it risks harming U.S. shipbuilding and mariner jobs and creates near-term regulatory uncertainty.
Transportation workers and small-business owners can get coastwise endorsements more easily, allowing more vessels to operate in domestic trade and potentially lowering shipping costs for consumers and businesses.
Crew and passengers benefit from a required 90-day deadline for the Coast Guard to issue safety and security regulations, providing a clear timeline to implement protections as endorsements change.
U.S. shipbuilders and mariner jobs could be harmed because expanding eligibility for coastwise endorsements may reduce preference for U.S.-built or U.S.-crewed vessels.
Operators, state governments, and enforcement agencies may face short-term uncertainty about compliance requirements due to the accelerated 90-day rulemaking timeline.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Removes certain coastwise trade limits, repeals a limiting provision, allows coastwise endorsements to any vessel eligible under U.S. law, and requires Coast Guard rules within 90 days.
Introduced June 12, 2025 by Mike Lee · Last progress June 12, 2025
Removes specified limits on coastwise trade and streamlines coastwise endorsement authority by allowing issuance to any vessel that otherwise qualifies under U.S. law to engage in coastwise trade. Directs the Coast Guard Commandant to issue implementing safety and security regulations within 90 days and makes conforming amendments across Title 46, including repealing a prior limiting provision. The change alters who may receive coastwise endorsements, adjusts statutory cross-references in maritime law, and places a short regulatory deadline on the Coast Guard to adopt implementing rules. It does not appropriate new funds or create new programs in the text provided.