II 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 93 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES January 24, 2005 Mr. Inouye introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation A BILL To increase the role of the Secretary of Transportation in administering section 901 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, and for other purposes.

1.

Transportation in american vessels of government personnel and certain cargoes

Paragraph (2) of section 901(b) of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (46 U.S.C. App. 1241(b)(2)), is amended to read as follows: (2)(A)Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Secretary of Transportation shall have the sole responsibility for designating a program as subject to the requirements of this subsection. Each department or agency that has responsibility for a program that is designated by the Secretary pursuant to the preceding sentence shall administer such program in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Secretary. (B)The Secretary of Transportation shall— (i)conduct an annual review of the administration of a program designated pursuant to subparagraph (A) as subject to the requirements of this subsection; and (ii)submit an annual report to Congress containing the results of the review described in clause (i). (C)The Secretary of Transportation shall prescribe regulations— (i)to carry out the provisions of this subsection; and (ii)to provide penalties and sanctions for violation of this subsection. .

2.

Conforming cargo preference year to Federal fiscal year

Section 901b of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (46 U.S.C. App. 1241f) is amended— (1)in subsection (a)— (A)by striking paragraph (2); and (B)in paragraph (1)— (i)by striking (a)(1) and inserting (a); and (ii)by striking specified in subsection (b) and inserting exported as described in subsection (b) in a fiscal year; and (2)in subsection (c)(2)— (A)by striking calendar and inserting fiscal; and (B)by striking for 12 month periods commencing April 1, 1986 and inserting the 12-month period beginning on April 1 of each year before 2003, the 18-month period beginning on April 1, 2003, and each 12-month period beginning on October 1 of 2004 and each year thereafter.