# Plain Language Summary: Open America's Waters Act

This bill would eliminate restrictions that have been in place for over a century on which ships can carry cargo between American ports. Currently, the Jones Act requires that any cargo shipped between U.S. ports must be carried on ships that are American-built, American-owned, and crewed by Americans. This bill would remove those requirements, allowing foreign-built and foreign-owned ships to compete for this domestic shipping business.

The practical effect would be to open up coastal shipping to international competition. Right now, if a company wants to ship goods from California to Hawaii or from Texas to Florida, they're limited to using American vessels that meet strict ownership and construction standards. Under this bill, they could use cheaper foreign ships instead. Supporters argue this would lower shipping costs for consumers and businesses, making goods less expensive and helping the economy. The bill does require that the Coast Guard establish safety and security standards for any vessels allowed to participate in this coastal trade within 90 days of the law passing.

The main groups affected would be American shipping companies and their workers, who currently have a protected market for coastal cargo transport. They would face new competition from foreign shipping companies that often operate with lower labor costs and fewer regulatory requirements. Consumers and businesses that ship goods domestically could potentially see lower shipping costs, which might translate to cheaper products. However, this could also mean fewer jobs in the American maritime industry and potentially less investment in American shipbuilding and vessel maintenance.

Open America’s Waters Act

McClintock, Tom

Open America's Waters Act This bill repeals certain limitations on the types of vessels that may engage in coastwise trade, which is the domestic transportation of merchandise or passengers by vessels. The bill directs the U.S. Coast Guard to issue regulations that require all vessels permitted to engage in coastwise trade to meet all appropriate safety and security requirements.