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Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2024

USA119th CongressHR-667| House 
| Updated: 2/4/2025
Ed Case

Ed Case

Democratic Representative

Hawaii

Cosponsors (2)
Ritchie Torres (Democratic)James C. Moylan (Republican)

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Education and Workforce Committee, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, titled the "Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2024," aims to permit certain foreign-flagged vessels to engage in the transportation of merchandise within noncontiguous U.S. trade routes. It introduces a Noncontiguous Trade Exemption , allowing "foreign qualified freight vessels" to operate in these routes, provided they meet specific criteria such as not being U.S.-built, being registered in a foreign country, and employing U.S. citizens as required. The legislation amends existing provisions in title 46, United States Code, to facilitate this change, including adjustments to coastwise endorsements and rules governing the foreign transfer of vessels. It also modifies citizenship requirements for corporations, partnerships, and associations operating these specific foreign qualified freight vessels. Furthermore, the bill addresses labor provisions by establishing jurisdiction for injury claims against foreign employers and allowing employers to participate in the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. It mandates that all vessels operating in U.S. coastwise trade, regardless of documentation, adhere to minimum international labor standards for seafarers and comply with all applicable U.S. and international environmental standards . Finally, the Act imposes requirements on non-citizen entities that irregularly engage in domestic coastwise trade, obliging them to name an agent for process, comply with U.S. laws, and post specific documentation aboard their vessels.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-5498
Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-300
Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-2588
Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2023
Jan 23, 2025
Introduced in House
Jan 23, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, 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.
Jan 24, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Feb 4, 2025
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E90-91)
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-5498
    Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-300
    Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-2588
    Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2023


  • January 23, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • January 23, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, 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.


  • January 24, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.


  • February 4, 2025
    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E90-91)

Transportation and Public Works

Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2024

USA119th CongressHR-667| House 
| Updated: 2/4/2025
This bill, titled the "Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2024," aims to permit certain foreign-flagged vessels to engage in the transportation of merchandise within noncontiguous U.S. trade routes. It introduces a Noncontiguous Trade Exemption , allowing "foreign qualified freight vessels" to operate in these routes, provided they meet specific criteria such as not being U.S.-built, being registered in a foreign country, and employing U.S. citizens as required. The legislation amends existing provisions in title 46, United States Code, to facilitate this change, including adjustments to coastwise endorsements and rules governing the foreign transfer of vessels. It also modifies citizenship requirements for corporations, partnerships, and associations operating these specific foreign qualified freight vessels. Furthermore, the bill addresses labor provisions by establishing jurisdiction for injury claims against foreign employers and allowing employers to participate in the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act. It mandates that all vessels operating in U.S. coastwise trade, regardless of documentation, adhere to minimum international labor standards for seafarers and comply with all applicable U.S. and international environmental standards . Finally, the Act imposes requirements on non-citizen entities that irregularly engage in domestic coastwise trade, obliging them to name an agent for process, comply with U.S. laws, and post specific documentation aboard their vessels.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-5498
Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2019

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-300
Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2021

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-2588
Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2023
Jan 23, 2025
Introduced in House
Jan 23, 2025
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, 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.
Jan 24, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Feb 4, 2025
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E90-91)
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-5498
    Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2019


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-300
    Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2021


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-2588
    Noncontiguous Shipping Relief Act of 2023


  • January 23, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • January 23, 2025
    Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, 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.


  • January 24, 2025
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.


  • February 4, 2025
    Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E90-91)
Ed Case

Ed Case

Democratic Representative

Hawaii

Cosponsors (2)
Ritchie Torres (Democratic)James C. Moylan (Republican)

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Education and Workforce Committee, Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee

Transportation and Public Works

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