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The bill eases short‑term supply disruptions by allowing temporary use of non‑coastwise vessels with predictable approval timelines, but does so at the cost of potential harm to the U.S. maritime industry, maritime readiness, and added administrative strain.
Importers, shippers, and small businesses can use non-coastwise vessels when no eligible U.S. carrier is available, with an automatic deemed grant after 60 days if the agency does not act — reducing supply delays and giving predictable short‑term relief for disrupted shipments.
Taxpayers and state governments benefit from clearer timelines and required findings on denials, which increase transparency and accountability for agency decisions about waivers.
U.S. maritime workers and companies could see reduced demand for U.S.-built or -documented vessels, risking jobs and commercial activity in the domestic maritime industry.
Taxpayers and national security stakeholders face increased risk if frequent or prolonged waivers weaken coastwise protections that support the U.S. domestic fleet and maritime readiness.
Federal and state agency staff may face increased administrative burden and pressure to act quickly from rapid congressional notifications, raising chances of procedural errors or rushed decisions.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Allows agency heads to temporarily waive U.S. coastwise endorsement rules when no eligible product carrier exists, subject to time limits, reporting, and finding requirements.
Introduced March 12, 2026 by Benjamin Cline · Last progress March 12, 2026
Authorizes federal agency heads to temporarily waive U.S. coastwise endorsement rules when no suitable U.S. product carrier exists and the requester has made a good-faith effort to find one. Waivers are time-limited (minimum initial 30 days), may be extended in 15-day increments, and agencies must act on requests quickly while notifying Congress of requests and issuances.