Bill would let allied nations' ships haul cargo between US ports
In committeeH.R. 4839Latest action
Sponsor: Ed Case · Representative · HI
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Merchant Marine Allies Partnership Act
119th Congress
Topics: Security & foreign affairs
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The bill lets NATO and other allied countries' ships carry cargo between U.S. ports for up to five years, easing Jones Act rules.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would allow the Secretary of Transportation to permit ships built in, owned by, or crewed by people from allied foreign countries to carry cargo between U.S. ports for up to five years at a time, renewable. The Secretary of State would maintain a "Foreign Ally Shipping Registry" automatically including NATO members, with removal possible if a country loses ally status or if Congress declares war on it. The bill also drops citizenship/licensing rules for allied crew members and exempts allied shipyard repairs from certain import duties.
Who does it affect?
Affects U.S. shipbuilders, shipping companies, and merchant mariners currently protected under the Jones Act, as well as shipyards and workers in allied (especially NATO) countries.
Why does it matter?
Loosening these rules could change competitive conditions in domestic waterborne shipping, potentially affecting costs and options for businesses and consumers who ship goods by water.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedAug 1, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Aug 2, 2025
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.