House bill opens waiver path for Jones Act shipping requirement
In committeeH.R. 7900Latest action
Sponsor: Ben Cline · Representative · VA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Protecting Access to American Products Act
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
The plain-language version comes first. The official text is always the reference.
HR 7900 lets bulk shippers request temporary Jones Act waivers when no qualifying U.S. vessel is available, with a 60-day government deadline.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 7900 creates a formal waiver process for companies that ship bulk goods between U.S. ports and cannot find an American-built, American-owned, American-crewed vessel. If a company documents a genuine effort to find a qualifying ship and fails, a government agency has 60 days to approve or deny the request. Approved waivers last at least 30 days and can be extended in 15-day increments if the shortage continues.
Who does it affect?
Companies that move bulk goods such as fuel or grain between U.S. ports are the primary affected parties. American shipbuilders and maritime unions are also affected, as approved waivers would allow foreign vessels to operate on routes currently reserved for U.S. ships.
Why does it matter?
Businesses unable to find a qualifying American vessel would have a legal pathway to use a foreign ship temporarily rather than halt operations. At the same time, the waiver process introduces foreign competition into domestic shipping routes that the Jones Act currently protects.
AI-drafted summary. Check it against the official text before you act on it.
Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 12, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Mar 13, 2026
- 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.