S. 2043

119 S2043 IS: Open America's Waters Act
 U.S. Senate
 2025-06-12
 text/xml
 EN
 Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.
  II
  119th CONGRESS
  1st Session
  S. 2043
  IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
  June 12, 2025
  Mr. Lee  introduced the following bill;
  which was read twice and referred to the  Committee on Commerce, Science, and
  Transportation
  A BILL
To repeal the Jones Act restrictions on coastwise trade, and for other
  purposes.
1.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the   Open America's Waters Act  .
2.
Repeal of certain limitations on coastwise trade
(a)
In general
Section 12112(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
(a)
In general
A coastwise endorsement may be issued for a vessel that qualifies under the laws of the United States to engage in the coastwise trade.
  .
(b)
Regulations
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard shall issue regulations to implement the amendment made by subsection (a) that require all vessels permitted to engage in the coastwise trade to meet all appropriate safety and security requirements.
(c)
Conforming amendments
(1)
Tank vessel construction standards
Section 3703a(c)(1)(C) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking  and is qualified for documentation as a wrecked vessel under section 12112 of this title .
(2)
Liquified gas tankers
Section 12120 of such title is amended by striking  , if the  vessel—  and all that follows and inserting a period.
(3)
Small passenger vessels
Section 12121(b) of such title is amended—
(A)
by striking  12112, ; and
(B)
by striking  12132, .
(4)
Loss of coastwise trade privileges
Section 12132 of such title is repealed.
(5)
Oil spill response vessels
Section 12117(b) of such title is amended by striking  sections 12103, 12132, and 50501  and inserting  sections 12103 and 50501 .
(6)
Optional regulatory measurement
Section 14305(a)(6) of such title is amended by striking  sections 12118 and 12132  and inserting  section 12118 .
(7)
Court sales of undocumented vessels
Section 31329(b) of such title is amended—
(A)
in paragraph (1), by striking  ;  and inserting  ; and ;
(B)
in paragraph (2), by striking  ; and  and inserting a period; and
(C)
by striking paragraph (3).
(8)
Clerical amendment
The table of sections for  chapter 121  of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 12132.