This Act would change parts of title 46, United States Code, that govern coastwise endorsement for passenger vessels. The bill's stated purpose is to enable passenger vessels that were not built in the United States to receive coastwise endorsement. It adds a new clause to 46 U.S.C. 12112(a)(2)(B) to cover vessels that transport passengers between ports or places in the United States, either directly or via a foreign port. The Act also repeals 46 U.S.C. 12121. A rule of construction in the text says the amendments do not exempt such vessels from any other applicable United States laws except as explicitly provided in the amendments.
The change would alter which passenger vessels can receive coastwise endorsement. If the Act became law, passenger vessels that were not built in the United States could be eligible to carry passengers between United States ports, including when the route goes through a foreign port. No publicly available information on which specific vessels, operators, or routes would be affected or on the timing of any changes.
No publicly available information on expected costs, savings, or official budgetary estimates related to the Act.
No publicly available information on proponents' statements or arguments in the bill text or accompanying metadata.
No publicly available information on opponents' statements or arguments in the bill text or accompanying metadata.