What does Preamble of American Cargo for American Ships Act do?

This bill amends title 46 of the United States Code. It directs the Secretary of Transportation to ensure that cargoes procured, furnished, or financed by the Department of Transportation are transported on privately-owned commercial vessels of the United States. The bill's stated purpose is to regulate cargo transportation by the Department of Transportation.

What does SHORT TITLE. of American Cargo for American Ships Act do?

This bill is formally titled the American Cargo for American Ships Act.

What does CARGOES PROCURED, FURNISHED, OR FINANCED BY UNITED STATES of American Cargo for American Ships Act do?

This section amends Section 55305 of Title 46, United States Code. It modifies subsection (a) to include an exception. Subsections (c) through (f) are redesignated as (d) through (g). A new subsection (c) is added, creating an exception when the Department of Transportation procures or finances equipment, materials, or commodities. Under this exception, the Secretary of Transportation or financing recipient must ensure 100% of cargo is transported on privately-owned U.S. commercial vessels, if available at fair and reasonable rates. The goal is to ensure fair participation of U.S. commercial vessels by geographic area.

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American Cargo for American Ships Act

Last updated: 6/10/2025 · Introduced: 3/11/2025

Author: Salud Carbajal (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill mandates that the Department of Transportation primarily transport cargoes it procures, furnishes, or finances on privately-owned U.S. commercial vessels.
It establishes an exception allowing the Department of Transportation to utilize foreign vessels if U.S. vessels are unavailable at fair and reasonable rates.
The bill requires that when utilizing U.S. commercial vessels, the Department of Transportation must ensure equitable geographic distribution of cargo transport.

119th Congresspassed houseHR. 8800(In Committee)Official page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

3 sections

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