Bill > S2537

This bill seeks to repeal key provisions of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) and modify certain requirements of the Jones Act related to passenger vessels. Specifically, the bill would remove restrictions that currently require passenger vessels operating between U.S. ports to be built, owned, and crewed primarily by U.S. citizens and registered under U.S. flags. The legislation would eliminate the PVSA's domestic requirements and adjust citizenship and vessel ownership rules, effectively allowing foreign-owned and foreign-built vessels to more freely transport passengers between U.S. ports, including routes that involve stops at foreign ports. The bill includes several technical amendments to existing maritime law to implement these changes, such as modifying sections of Title 46 of the U.S. Code that govern maritime commerce and vessel operations. An important caveat is included stipulating that while these changes would relax certain maritime transport restrictions, vessels would still be subject to other applicable U.S. laws. The overall intent appears to be increasing flexibility and potentially competition in maritime passenger transportation by reducing current protectionist regulations.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2537/all-info