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119-s-2043119th CongressWALLET

Open America's Waters Act

Sponsored By: Senator Lee, Mike [R-UT]

Introduced

Summary

Would expand eligibility for U.S. coastwise endorsements to any vessel that qualifies under U.S. law. It would also prompt the Coast Guard to set safety and security rules and remove several statutory limits on coastwise trade.

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  • Vessel owners and operators: Would let more vessels that meet U.S. legal qualifications seek a coastwise endorsement, changing who can carry goods or passengers in domestic trade.
  • Coast Guard and safety regulators: Would require the Commandant to issue implementing regulations within 90 days after enactment to ensure all coastwise vessels meet appropriate safety and security requirements.
  • Specific vessel categories and legal rules: Would change references and rules affecting tank vessel construction, liquified gas tankers, small passenger vessels, oil spill response vessels, court sales of undocumented vessels, and would repeal the provision on loss of coastwise trade privileges (46 U.S.C. 12132).

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

New coastwise rules for vessel owners

This bill would let vessels that qualify under U.S. law get coastwise endorsements. The Coast Guard would have to issue safety and security regulations not later than 90 days after enactment. The bill would repeal the statute that allows loss of coastwise privileges. It would also remove a "wrecked vessel" construction qualification for some tank vessels. If enacted, vessel owners could see both eased eligibility and new compliance costs to meet safety rules.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Lee, Mike [R-UT]

UT • R

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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