Federal study ordered on carbon fiber hulls for public ferries
In committeeH.R. 8998Latest action
Sponsor: Hillary J. Scholten · Representative · MI
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Official title: Researching Innovative Shipbuilding and Next-Generation Transit Infrastructure for Durable and Efficient Systems
119th Congress
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 8998 directs the Transportation Research Board to study composite materials for passenger ferry hulls; no ships are built or funded.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
HR 8998 directs the Transportation Research Board to evaluate whether modern composite materials such as carbon fiber could replace steel or aluminum in passenger ferry and water transit vessel hulls. The study would result in an analysis and report from experts. No vessels would be built and no existing ferry systems would change as a direct result of this bill.
Who does it affect?
Researchers at the Transportation Research Board are the most immediately affected, as they would conduct the evaluation. Communities that depend on ferries and water buses for daily transportation could be affected further down the road if the research influences future vessel decisions.
Why does it matter?
The research could inform whether composite hull materials produce ferries that are more efficient or capable of carrying more passengers or cargo. If findings are acted upon in the future, taxpayers who fund public transit systems could see changes in vessel costs or longevity.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMay 21, 2026
- House committeeYou are here · May 21, 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 House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.