A Republican bill with no cosponsors
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 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, titled the "Open America's Waters Act," seeks to repeal the Jones Act restrictions on coastwise trade. It amends title 46 of the United States Code to allow a coastwise endorsement for any vessel that qualifies under United States laws. The Commandant of the Coast Guard is required to issue regulations within 90 days to ensure all permitted vessels meet safety and security requirements. Additionally, the bill includes several conforming amendments to various sections of title 46 regarding tank vessels, liquified gas tankers, and passenger vessels.
Yes· 3 of 9
- Scored +5
Would business owners be better off under this?
Reducing trade barriers provides more opportunities and cost-saving measures for shipping businesses.
- Scored +4
Is this likely to grow the economy?
Opening maritime trade routes can promote overall economic activity by increasing competition.
- Scored +3
Is this likely to create jobs?
Repealing trade restrictions may stimulate maritime commerce and job opportunities in the shipping industry.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Would union members be better off under this?
The repeal of the Jones Act is likely viewed as a threat to domestic maritime unions and their job security.
- Scored -3
Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise?
The removal of Jones Act protections may negatively impact domestic maritime labor unions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Removal of Coastwise Trade Restrictions: By amending section 12112(a) of title 46, the bill allows for a coastwise endorsement for vessels that qualify under the laws of the United States, which repeals certain current limitations on coastwise trade.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No 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.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to grow the economy? — Opening maritime trade routes can promote overall economic activity by increasing competition. Is this likely to create jobs? — Repealing trade restrictions may stimulate maritime commerce and job opportunities in the shipping industry. Is this likely to slow the rise in prices? — Lowering maritime trade barriers could potentially reduce shipping costs and help lower prices for goods. Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise? — The removal of Jones Act protections may negatively impact domestic maritime labor unions.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make it easier to do business across state lines? — The bill streamlines commerce between various coastal regions by reducing trade barriers.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Reducing trade barriers provides more opportunities and cost-saving measures for shipping businesses. Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Lower shipping costs could potentially lead to lower costs for essential goods. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Potential reductions in consumer prices may benefit middle-income consumers. Would union members be better off under this? — The repeal of the Jones Act is likely viewed as a threat to domestic maritime unions and their job security.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this make trade with other countries easier? — Easing maritime restrictions can facilitate smoother international trade processes.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Is this likely to lower the price at the pump? — Increased competition in maritime transport could lead to lower fuel prices through more efficient shipping.
- 6/12/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Introduced in Senate
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.