Bill > HR3842

This bill amends Title 46 of the United States Code to expand the Capital Construction Fund (CCF) program, which traditionally helped maritime businesses invest in new vessels, to now include cargo handling equipment (CHE) for marine terminals. The bill defines cargo handling equipment as vehicles or land-based equipment used to move cargo at marine terminals, either manufactured in the United States or imported if domestic production is insufficient. A marine terminal is defined as port infrastructure including wharves, docks, and adjacent areas used for cargo movement. The legislation allows marine terminal operators to establish capital construction funds and use them to purchase, replace, or reconstruct cargo handling equipment, with specific restrictions: withdrawals cannot be made for fully automated equipment that would result in job losses, and no funds can be used to purchase cranes manufactured in China. Additionally, the bill requires the Secretary to annually publish information about the availability of U.S.-manufactured cargo handling equipment. These changes aim to support the U.S. maritime industry by providing financial tools for modernizing port infrastructure while protecting domestic manufacturing and labor interests.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/3842/all-info