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119-hr-3940119th CongressWALLET

Open America's Waters Act

Sponsored By: Representative McClintock, Tom [R-CA-5]

In Committee

Summary

Opens U.S. coastwise trade to more vessels. The bill would broaden which vessels can receive a coastwise endorsement and remove several statutory cross‑references that limit coastwise trade eligibility.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More coastwise access for vessel owners

If enacted, you would be able to seek a coastwise endorsement for your vessel if it qualifies under U.S. law. The Coast Guard would have 90 days after enactment to write rules that require safety and security standards. The bill would also remove the law that let the government take away coastwise trade privileges. Small maritime businesses and vessel owners could newly seek access to the coastwise trade once the rules are in place.

Changes to vessel documentation rules

If enacted, the bill would remove certain documentation conditions in two maritime rules. It would strike a conditional phrase that limited which vessels a rule covered. It would also remove a clause linking some tank vessel construction standards to whether a vessel was documented as wrecked. Owners, builders, and operators of those vessels could see different regulatory requirements.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

McClintock, Tom [R-CA-5]

CA • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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