Legis Daily

Merchant Marine Allies Partnership Act

USA119th CongressHR-4839| House 
| Updated: 8/2/2025
Ed Case

Ed Case

Democratic Representative

Hawaii

Cosponsors (1)
James C. Moylan (Republican)

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Ways and Means Committee, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
The "Merchant Marine Allies Partnership Act" aims to expand participation in U.S. coastwise trade by allowing vessels, owners, and crews from allied foreign countries to engage in certain domestic shipping activities. This legislation introduces significant amendments to Title 46, United States Code, creating specific exceptions to existing coastwise laws. A central component of the bill is the establishment of a Foreign Ally Shipping Registry , to be maintained by the Secretary of State in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard. This registry will list countries determined to be allies for the purpose of carrying out coastwise trade, with all NATO member countries automatically included unless otherwise removed. The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to grant waivers, for periods up to five years and renewable, allowing "qualified vessels" from these allied nations to transport merchandise between points in the United States. A vessel qualifies if it is wholly owned by nationals or the government of a registered allied country (or jointly with a U.S. national) and flagged in the U.S. or an allied country. Furthermore, the bill exempts crew members who are nationals of the U.S. or an allied country, working on these authorized qualified vessels, from certain U.S. citizenship and credentialing requirements. Procedures are also outlined for the removal of countries from the registry, including immediate removal upon a declaration of war by Congress. Finally, the bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide an exemption from duties on repairs. Specifically, U.S. documented vessels will not incur duties for repairs made in shipyards located in countries listed on the Foreign Ally Shipping Registry. This provision further incentivizes collaboration with allied nations in maritime maintenance and operations.
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Timeline
Aug 1, 2025
Introduced in House
Aug 1, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Aug 1, 2025
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E747)
Aug 2, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
  • August 1, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • August 1, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • August 1, 2025
    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E747)


  • August 2, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Foreign Trade and International Finance

Merchant Marine Allies Partnership Act

USA119th CongressHR-4839| House 
| Updated: 8/2/2025
The "Merchant Marine Allies Partnership Act" aims to expand participation in U.S. coastwise trade by allowing vessels, owners, and crews from allied foreign countries to engage in certain domestic shipping activities. This legislation introduces significant amendments to Title 46, United States Code, creating specific exceptions to existing coastwise laws. A central component of the bill is the establishment of a Foreign Ally Shipping Registry , to be maintained by the Secretary of State in consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard. This registry will list countries determined to be allies for the purpose of carrying out coastwise trade, with all NATO member countries automatically included unless otherwise removed. The Secretary of Transportation is authorized to grant waivers, for periods up to five years and renewable, allowing "qualified vessels" from these allied nations to transport merchandise between points in the United States. A vessel qualifies if it is wholly owned by nationals or the government of a registered allied country (or jointly with a U.S. national) and flagged in the U.S. or an allied country. Furthermore, the bill exempts crew members who are nationals of the U.S. or an allied country, working on these authorized qualified vessels, from certain U.S. citizenship and credentialing requirements. Procedures are also outlined for the removal of countries from the registry, including immediate removal upon a declaration of war by Congress. Finally, the bill amends the Tariff Act of 1930 to provide an exemption from duties on repairs. Specifically, U.S. documented vessels will not incur duties for repairs made in shipyards located in countries listed on the Foreign Ally Shipping Registry. This provision further incentivizes collaboration with allied nations in maritime maintenance and operations.
View Full Text

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Timeline
Aug 1, 2025
Introduced in House
Aug 1, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Aug 1, 2025
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E747)
Aug 2, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
  • August 1, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • August 1, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.


  • August 1, 2025
    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E747)


  • August 2, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Ed Case

Ed Case

Democratic Representative

Hawaii

Cosponsors (1)
James C. Moylan (Republican)

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Ways and Means Committee, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee

Foreign Trade and International Finance

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted