Shipping: Requiring U.S. Ships for Transportation Department Cargo
Also known as: American Cargo for American Ships Act
Legislative Progress
Key Points
- Congress passed a bill that requires the Department of Transportation to use American-owned commercial ships for all of its ocean shipping. This includes any equipment, materials, or goods that the department buys or helps pay for with federal money.
- The goal is to support the American shipping industry and workers. By requiring 100 percent of these goods to travel on U.S. ships, the government aims to keep more money and jobs within the United States instead of paying foreign shipping companies.
- This rule applies as long as American ships are available at fair and reasonable prices. If there are no U.S. ships available for a specific route or if the costs are too high, the Secretary of Transportation has some flexibility, but the priority must always be American vessels.
- This change specifically targets the Department of Transportation's own projects and the materials it finances. It ensures that when tax dollars are used for transportation projects, those goods are moved by American crews on American-flagged ships.
Milestones
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 373 - 14 (Roll no. 157). (text: CR H2546-2547)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 373 - 14 (Roll no. 157). (text: CR H2546-2547)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H2557-2558)
Vote Results
1 voteOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
American Cargo for American Ships Act
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(1)Data Sources
Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.