What does Preamble of Protecting Access to American Products Act do?

This bill aims to establish a process for waiver of coastwise endorsement requirements.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Protecting Access to American Products Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Protecting Access to American Products Act.

What does WAIVER OF COASTWISE ENDORSEMENT REQUIREMENTS. of Protecting Access to American Products Act do?

This section amends title 46, United States Code, to allow for waivers of coastwise endorsement requirements in cases of product carrier scarcity or unavailability. An agency head can temporarily waive requirements upon request if a party demonstrates a lack of available product carriers and a good faith effort to locate one. Waivers are limited in duration, expiring no less than 30 days after issuance, and extensions of at least 15 days can be granted if circumstances haven't substantially changed. Agencies must respond to waiver requests within 60 days; failure to do so results in the request being deemed granted for 30 days. Agencies must notify Congress within 48 hours of receiving and issuing waiver requests, providing a detailed explanation for necessary waivers. The term 'product carrier' is defined as a vessel primarily carrying goods in bulk. The 'head of an agency' refers to the agency head responsible for navigation or vessel inspection laws, or a delegated individual.

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Protecting Access to American Products Act

Last updated: 3/12/2026 · Introduced: 3/12/2026

Author: Ben Cline (R-VA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill allows agency heads to temporarily waive coastwise endorsement requirements for product carriers when a shortage exists and parties have made good-faith efforts to find available vessels.
Waivers are time-limited, with a minimum duration of 30 days and potential extensions, and agencies must respond to requests within 60 days or the request is automatically approved for a limited time.
The bill requires agencies to notify Congress of waiver requests and issuances, providing a detailed explanation for the necessity of the waiver.

119th Congressin committeeS. 4090(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

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

3 sections

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