Tom McClintock (R-CA)
Open America's Waters Act
A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Open America's Waters Act," seeks to repeal the Jones Act restrictions on coastwise trade. It amends Section 12112(a) of title 46, United States Code, to allow a coastwise endorsement for any vessel that qualifies under United States laws to engage in coastwise trade. The Commandant of the Coast Guard is required to issue safety and security regulations for these vessels within 90 days. Additionally, the bill includes several conforming amendments to various sections of title 46.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +4
Would business owners be better off under this?
Businesses involved in import/export and logistics stand to benefit significantly from reduced trade restrictions.
- Scored +3
Is this likely to create jobs?
By removing Jones Act restrictions, the bill likely stimulates maritime commerce and job opportunities in the shipping sector.
- Scored +3
Is this likely to grow the economy?
Opening waters to more trade can stimulate overall economic activity and logistical efficiency.
The opposite
- Scored -3
Would union members be better off under this?
The repeal of the Jones Act directly reduces the market protection and influence of domestic maritime unions.
- Scored -2
Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise?
The repeal of the Jones Act may reduce the dominance of domestic maritime unions protected by current trade restrictions.
- Scored -1
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?
Broadening trade eligibility might increase maritime traffic, potentially leading to more environmental risks.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Broadened Coastwise Trade Eligibility: Under Section 2(a), the amendment changes the rules so that a coastwise endorsement can be issued for any vessel that qualifies under U.S. laws to engage in coastwise trade, effectively repealing certain current restrictions.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Businesses involved in import/export and logistics stand to benefit significantly from reduced trade restrictions. Would farmers be better off under this? — Lower shipping costs may benefit agricultural producers moving goods via maritime routes. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Lower shipping costs could lead to more affordable essential goods. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Lowered costs of goods may benefit middle-class purchasing power. Would union members be better off under this? — The repeal of the Jones Act directly reduces the market protection and influence of domestic maritime unions.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Opening waters to more trade can stimulate overall economic activity and logistical efficiency. Is this likely to create jobs? — By removing Jones Act restrictions, the bill likely stimulates maritime commerce and job opportunities in the shipping sector. Is this likely to slow the rise in prices? — Increased competition in maritime trade can lower shipping costs, potentially easing inflationary pressures on transported goods. Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise? — The repeal of the Jones Act may reduce the dominance of domestic maritime unions protected by current trade restrictions.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make it easier to do business across state lines? — Removing maritime restrictions facilitates more fluid interstate and international commerce.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Repealing trade restrictions may facilitate easier international maritime trade and logistical integration.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster? — Increased maritime flexibility may assist in more efficient movement of goods during disaster recovery efforts. Is this likely to lower the price at the pump? — More efficient shipping of fuel and goods could lead to lower energy and commodity prices. Does this better protect air, water and wildlife? — Broadening trade eligibility might increase maritime traffic, potentially leading to more environmental risks.
- 6/13/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- 6/12/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.