Nick LaLota (R-NY)
Interstate Ferry Fairness Act
A Republican bill with 6 Democratic cosponsors · See all 11 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
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 Interstate Ferry Fairness Act seeks to amend title 23 of the United States Code. The bill aims to allow privately or majority-privately owned ferries and terminal facilities to participate in the Ferry Boat Program. It expands eligibility for federal participation in construction for ferries on specific public road routes or those connecting two adjoining States. Under these changes, the Secretary can determine if these private entities provide substantial public benefits. The act also establishes rules for how such ferries may charge fares.
Yes· 3 of 12
- Scored +4
Would business owners be better off under this?
Provides private ferry owners and terminal operators access to federal funding and infrastructure support.
- Scored +4
Does this make it easier to run a small business?
Allows private ferry operators and small transportation businesses to qualify for federal ferry program funding.
- Scored +4
Does this make it easier to do business across state lines?
Supports smooth transit and economic linkage for ferries operating between adjoining states.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Expanded Ferry Options: Federal participation may involve the construction or purchase of ferry boats that operate between two adjoining States, which can include boats carrying both cars and passengers (Section 2(a)(1)(B) and Section 2(a)(2)(B)(ii)).
-
Increased Infrastructure Support: The bill allows for federal participation in the construction or purchase of ferry terminal facilities that support private ferries operating between two adjoining States (Section 2(a)(2)(B)(ii)).
-
Meeting Transportation Needs: The Secretary may determine that a privately owned or majority-privately owned ferry or terminal provides substantial public benefits or meets the foremost needs of the surface transportation system (Section 2(a)(2)(A)(ii) and (iii)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Fare Requirements: A privately owned or majority-privately owned ferry operating between two adjoining States may charge a fare based on the costs of operation, maintenance, repair, and debt service, plus an amount the Secretary determines is a reasonable rate of return (Section 2(a)(3)(A)(B)).
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? — Provides private ferry owners and terminal operators access to federal funding and infrastructure support. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Fare restrictions help protect everyday commuters from excessive pricing on private interstate ferries. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Improves travel options and transport reliability between adjoining states for commuters. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — Supports regional connectivity for rural communities located near interstate waterways. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Enhances cross-border commuter transit links that often serve metropolitan and surrounding areas.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this make it easier to run a small business? — Allows private ferry operators and small transportation businesses to qualify for federal ferry program funding. Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Caps fares for participating private ferries to reasonable cost-recovery levels plus a fair return. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Facilitates interstate commerce and infrastructure investment by incorporating private entities into the ferry program. Is this likely to create jobs? — Enabling private ferry participation in federal programs may stimulate infrastructure and operational job growth.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make it easier to do business across state lines? — Supports smooth transit and economic linkage for ferries operating between adjoining states. Does this give the federal government more power? — Expands the Secretary of Transportation's authority to evaluate and regulate private ferry eligibility and fare structures.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport? — Expands the Ferry Boat Program to include private operators, enhancing regional transit and connectivity.
- 9/16/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 9/2/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/31/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 7/9/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/30/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 6/24/2026
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- 6/15/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 4/7/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 4/6/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Mike BostRepublican · Illinois
Joe CourtneyDemocrat · Connecticut
James ComerRepublican · Kentucky
Rosa DeLauroDemocrat · Connecticut
Andrew GarbarinoRepublican · New York
Laura GillenDemocrat · New York
James HimesDemocrat · Connecticut
John LarsonDemocrat · Connecticut
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
John MoolenaarRepublican · Michigan
Thomas SuozziDemocrat · New York