II 111th CONGRESS 2d Session S. 3525 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 23, 2010 Mr. McCain (for himself and Mr. Risch) 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 Jones Act 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). Such regulations shall require that a vessel permitted to engaged in the coastwise trade meets 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 Coast Guard and is qualified for documentation as a wrecked vessel under section 12112 of this title. and inserting Coast Guard.. (2)

Liquified gas tankers

Section 12120 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking United States, and all that follows and inserting United States.. (3)

Small passenger vessels

Section 12121(b) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 12112,. (4)

Loss of coastwise trade privileges

Section 12132 of title 46, United States Code, is repealed. (5)

Table of sections

The table of sections for chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 12132.