This bill would loosen long‑standing limits on shipping between U.S. ports. It lets any vessel that qualifies under U.S. law get permission to carry goods or passengers along the coast or between U.S. ports, as long as it meets safety and security rules set by the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard must issue these rules within 90 days after the bill becomes law . It also updates several related laws to match this change, including sections dealing with tankers, liquefied gas carriers, small passenger vessels, oil‑spill response vessels, and certain court‑ordered vessel sales, and it removes a law about losing coastwise trade privileges .
| Who is affected | What changes | When |
|---|---|---|
| Vessels and operators in coastwise trade (including tankers, liquefied gas carriers, small passenger vessels, oil‑spill response vessels) | More vessels that meet U.S. laws can get coastwise endorsements; related rules are updated or repealed; safety and security requirements will apply | Coast Guard must issue implementing rules within 90 days after enactment |
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Last progress June 12, 2025 (6 months ago)
Introduced on June 12, 2025 by Mike Lee
Updated 1 week ago
Last progress June 12, 2025 (6 months ago)