House bill would let foreign tankers carry U.S. oil between domestic ports
In committeeH.R. 8021Latest action
Sponsor: Scott Perry · Representative · PA
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: American Petroleum First Act
119th Congress
Topics: Environment & energy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 8021 carves out a Jones Act exception for foreign oil tankers, while barring Russian and Chinese vessels entirely.
45-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 8021 would create an exception to the Jones Act, the federal law requiring that goods shipped between U.S. ports travel on American-built, American-owned, American-crewed vessels. The exception applies specifically to ships carrying crude oil and petroleum products. Ships owned, flagged, or crewed by Russian or Chinese nationals or their governments are explicitly prohibited from using this exception.
Who does it affect?
Oil and gas companies that ship petroleum between U.S. locations, such as from Gulf Coast refineries to East Coast ports, would gain access to a larger pool of available ships. American shipbuilders and sailors who work on Jones Act vessels could face increased competition in the oil transport sector.
Why does it matter?
Because Jones Act rules currently limit oil shippers to a smaller pool of American-built tankers, passage could reduce shipping costs for petroleum transport. Economists disagree on how large any indirect effects on consumer fuel prices would be.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 19, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · Mar 20, 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.