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119-hr-7900119th CongressWALLET

Protecting Access to American Products Act

Sponsored By: Representative Cline, Ben [R-VA-6]

In Committee

Summary

Creates a temporary waiver process that lets agencies permit non-coastwise vessels to carry bulk products when no qualifying U.S. product carrier is available. The bill defines when waivers can be requested and sets clear timelines and notice rules for decisions and extensions.

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  • Businesses that ship bulk goods can request a waiver if they show no product carrier meets the requirements and they made a good faith effort to find one. Any waiver must last at least 30 days and can be extended in 15-day increments.
  • U.S. product carriers may face short-term competition because waivers allow other vessels to move those goods during scarcity.
  • Agency leaders must decide waiver requests within 60 days or the request is automatically approved, and they must notify Congress within 48 hours of receiving a request and of any waiver.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Temporary waiver for bulk cargo shippers

If enacted, this bill would let agency heads temporarily waive U.S. coastwise endorsement rules so non-U.S. vessels can carry bulk goods when no compliant U.S. product carrier is available. Requesters would have to show they made a good-faith effort to find a suitable product carrier. The agency head would have to approve or deny within 60 days; if neither happens, the request would be deemed granted on day 61 for 30 days. Issued waivers must last at least 30 days and may be extended in 15-day increments if conditions have not substantially changed. The agency would have to notify Congress within 48 hours of receiving a request and within 48 hours after issuing any waiver, with a detailed explanation.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Cline, Ben [R-VA-6]

VA • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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