June 12, 2025
Mr. McClintock introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
To repeal the Jones Act restrictions on coastwise trade, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Open America's Waters Act
.
Sec. 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
and all that follows and inserting a period.
vessel—
(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Section 12132 of such title is repealed.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.