# Plain Language Summary: Open America's Waters Act

This bill removes 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 transported on ships that are American-built, American-owned, and crewed by Americans. This bill would eliminate those requirements, allowing foreign-built and foreign-owned ships to compete for this business.

The practical effect is that shipping companies would have more options for moving goods along America's coasts. Foreign vessels could potentially offer cheaper transportation services since they wouldn't need to meet the same construction and ownership standards. This could lower shipping costs for businesses and potentially reduce prices for consumers on goods transported by sea, particularly in markets like Alaska and Hawaii where shipping is a major part of the supply chain. However, it could also hurt American shipbuilding companies and maritime workers who currently benefit from the protected market, as foreign competition might reduce demand for their services.

The bill does include one safety provision: the Coast Guard would have 90 days to write new regulations ensuring that all vessels allowed to carry cargo between American ports still meet appropriate safety and security standards. This means that while foreign ships would be allowed to participate, they would still need to comply with U.S. safety requirements to protect coastal communities and the environment. The bill essentially trades the current protection of American shipping companies for potentially lower costs and more competition in moving goods between U.S. ports.