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

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

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

This Act 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. A head of an agency may temporarily waive requirements if a requester 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, with potential for extensions of at least 15 days. Agencies must respond to waiver requests within 60 days, approving or denying them; denials require a report of findings within 14 days. If an agency fails to respond within 60 days, the request is deemed granted for 30 days. Agencies must notify Congress within 48 hours of receiving and issuing waiver requests, including a detailed explanation for necessary waivers. The term 'product carrier' is defined as a vessel primarily carrying goods in bulk. The term 'head of an agency' refers to the head of an agency 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: Mike Lee (R-UT)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill allows federal agencies to temporarily waive coastwise endorsement requirements for product carriers if a lack of available vessels is demonstrated.
Agencies must respond to waiver requests within 60 days, and failure to do so results in an automatic 30-day approval.
The bill requires agencies to notify Congress of waiver requests and provide justifications for necessary waivers.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 7900(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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