A Republican bill with 4 Republican cosponsors · See all 4 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
The American Petroleum First Act seeks to change how certain vessels are documented for transporting goods. It aims to exempt vessels transporting crude oil and petroleum products from specific coastwise endorsement requirements. The bill amends title 46 of the United States Code to allow for these exemptions. However, the exemption does not apply to vessels with specific ties to Russian or Chinese ownership, flagging, or crewmembers.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +4
Would business owners be better off under this?
The bill provides regulatory relief for owners of petroleum transport vessels by easing documentation requirements.
- Scored +3
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
The bill reduces regulatory barriers for companies transporting petroleum products by providing documentation exemptions.
- Scored +2
Is this likely to lower the price at the pump?
By easing the transport requirements for crude oil and petroleum, the bill may facilitate a more efficient energy supply chain.
The opposite
- Scored -2
Would immigrants be better off under this?
The bill explicitly excludes certain foreign nationals from benefiting from the new maritime documentation exemptions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Exemption for Petroleum Transport: The bill allows for a certificate of documentation to be issued for any vessel transporting crude oil and petroleum products, which modifies existing coastwise laws (Section 2(a)(1)).
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Updated Coastwise Endorsements: The bill amends section 12112(a)(2)(B) of title 46 to include vessels that transport crude oil and petroleum products in the list of eligible vessels (Section 2(b)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Exclusions Based on Nationality or Ownership: Certain vessels are prohibited from receiving the exemption if they are owned in whole or in part by a Russian national or the Government of the Russian Federation (Section 2(a)(2)(A)).
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Exclusions Based on Flagging: The exemption will not apply to any vessel that is Russian-flagged or Chinese-flagged (Section 2(a)(2)(B) and (E)).
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Exclusions Based on Crew Members: The exemption is denied to any vessel that has a crewmember who is a Russian national or a Chinese national (Section 2(a)(2)(C) and (F)).
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Exclusions Based on Chinese Ownership: The exemption does not apply to vessels owned, in whole or in part, by a Chinese national or the People's Republic of China (Section 2(a)(2)(D)).
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.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill reduces regulatory barriers for companies transporting petroleum products by providing documentation exemptions.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill provides regulatory relief for owners of petroleum transport vessels by easing documentation requirements. Would immigrants be better off under this? — The bill explicitly excludes certain foreign nationals from benefiting from the new maritime documentation exemptions.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Is this likely to lower the price at the pump? — By easing the transport requirements for crude oil and petroleum, the bill may facilitate a more efficient energy supply chain.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Does this tighten control of the border? — The bill implements restrictions on vessels with Russian or Chinese ownership, flagging, or crew to prevent foreign influence in domestic maritime transport.
- 3/26/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/20/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- 3/19/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Warren DavidsonRepublican · Ohio
Mark HarrisRepublican · North Carolina
Tom McClintockRepublican · California
Chip RoyRepublican · Texas