119 S2043 IS: Open America's Waters Act U.S. Senate 2025-06-12 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

II 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 2043 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 12, 2025 Mr. Lee introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To repeal the Jones Act restrictions on coastwise trade, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Open America's Waters Act.

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 vessel— and all that follows and inserting a period. (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Section 12132 of such title is repealed.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.