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Bill would require all DOT-linked cargo to ship on US vessels

Passed one chamberH.R. 2035Latest action

Sponsor: Salud O. Carbajal · Representative · CA

AIDecoded by AI · checked against the record
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Official title: American Cargo for American Ships Act

119th Congress

Topics: Jobs & the economy

Introduced:

Read the official bill on Congress.gov

In plain words

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DOT-funded or purchased cargo would have to ship 100% on privately-owned U.S. vessels when available at fair rates.

45-second read · 4 questions answered below

What does this do?

This bill sets a rule requiring that all ocean cargo tied to Department of Transportation purchases, contracts, or funding travel on privately-owned U.S. commercial ships, tracked separately for dry bulk, general cargo, and tanker vessels. The requirement applies only when U.S.-flagged ships are available at fair and reasonable rates, and the law calls for fairly distributing this business across geographic regions.

Who does it affect?

This affects the Department of Transportation and any businesses, states, or organizations receiving DOT funding or contracts for goods shipped by sea. It also affects American and foreign shipping companies, since U.S. carriers would gain business while foreign carriers could lose it.

Why does it matter?

Recipients of DOT funding may face new compliance requirements and could see higher costs or fewer shipping options if U.S. vessels are pricier or less available than foreign alternatives.

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Read the official bill on Congress.gov

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Where does it stand?

  1. IntroducedMar 11, 2025
  2. House committee
  3. House vote
  4. SenateYou are here · Jun 10, 2025
  5. The president's desk

Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.

Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Data as of October 9, 2026

Recorded votes

Roll-call votes recorded since January 3, 2025.

  1. House · · Roll call 157

    As recorded

    Question
    On Motion to and Pass
    Result:
    Passed
    373
    Nay
    14
    0
    44

    Republicans 186 yes, 12 no, 21 not voting · Democrats 187 yes, 2 no, 23 not voting

    Official record
    How members voted

    The official record lists how each member voted.Official record

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