SB 2535, the “Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act,” would amend federal maritime law to allow certain passenger vessels that were not built in the United States to receive a coastwise endorsement. A coastwise endorsement is the authorization needed to carry passengers between U.S. ports or places subject to the coastwise laws, including routes that operate directly or through a foreign port. The bill changes the eligibility rules in title 46 of the U.S. Code so that these passenger vessels can qualify for this endorsement if they meet the new statutory criteria.
The bill also repeals a related provision in section 12121 of title 46 and includes a rule of construction stating that the amendment should not be read to exempt these vessels from other applicable U.S. laws unless the bill expressly says so. In practical terms, the measure would broaden access to the domestic passenger trade for some foreign-built vessels while preserving other federal legal requirements that still apply to those vessels.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would directly amend federal maritime cabotage law in title 46 of the U.S. Code by expanding the category of passenger vessels eligible for coastwise endorsement and repealing a conforming provision that is no longer needed. This would affect vessel owners, operators, shipbuilders, port businesses, and passengers by potentially increasing the number of vessels able to serve U.S. coastal routes and port-to-port passenger service. The bill’s title suggests an intent to support employment and activity in American ports, while its legal effect is to loosen one restriction in the coastwise endorsement framework rather than broadly deregulate maritime operations.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be framed positively as a jobs-and-ports bill, with an emphasis on protecting employment and supporting port activity. There is no recorded committee debate or vote history in the provided materials, so there is no direct evidence of formal support or opposition from members. The overall tone of the legislation is pro-industry and pro-ports, with the sponsor presenting the change as a targeted adjustment to maritime law.
Contention
The likely point of contention is the balance between protecting U.S.-built vessel requirements and expanding operating flexibility for passenger vessels. Supporters would likely argue that allowing more vessels to obtain coastwise endorsement can increase service options, investment, and jobs in American ports, while critics may view the change as weakening domestic shipbuilding protections or creating competitive pressure on U.S.-built vessels. Another possible issue is whether the bill’s limited exception could have broader effects on the coastwise trade system, although the rule of construction is intended to narrow that concern.