This bill, titled the "American Cargo for American Ships Act," amends section 55305 of title 46, United States Code, to strengthen requirements for the use of American vessels. It specifically directs the Secretary of Transportation to ensure that cargoes associated with Department of Transportation activities are transported on privately-owned commercial vessels of the United States. The legislation mandates that 100 percent of the gross tonnage of equipment, materials, or commodities procured, contracted for, or financed by the Department of Transportation with Federal funds must be transported on U.S. vessels. This applies to ocean-transported cargo, computed separately for dry bulk carriers, dry cargo liners, and tankers. The requirement is subject to the availability of such U.S. vessels at fair and reasonable rates , aiming to ensure their fair participation in these cargoes across geographic areas.