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H.R. 4839119th CongressIn committeeLatest action Aug 2, 2025Decoded by AI · checked against the record
Official title: Merchant Marine Allies Partnership Act
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govThe plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
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
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.
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.
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.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
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.