Bill > HR4813

This bill amends title 46 of the United States Code to create a new provision allowing temporary waivers of navigation and vessel-inspection laws for noncontiguous U.S. areas (specifically Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Northern Mariana Islands, Hawaii, and Alaska) during major disasters or emergencies. When the President declares a major disaster under the Stafford Act, the head of the relevant agency can waive compliance with navigation and vessel-inspection laws for cargo vessels delivering disaster relief. These waivers are initially limited to 10 days but can be extended for an additional 10 days after consultation with the area's governor, with a maximum total waiver period of 45 days. The agency must notify Congressional committees within 48 hours of issuing or extending a waiver. The purpose of this bill is to facilitate faster and more flexible shipping of emergency supplies to noncontiguous U.S. territories during crisis situations by temporarily suspending certain maritime regulations that might otherwise impede disaster relief efforts.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4813/all-info