Bill > S1326

This bill, the Maritime Administration Enhancement Act of 2015, aims to strengthen various maritime programs within the Department of Transportation by amending existing laws. Key provisions include updating requirements for cadets at maritime academies, such as mandating they obtain a merchant mariner license and serve in a reserve component of the armed forces for a specified period after graduation, and modifying student incentive payment agreements to allow for greater flexibility in payment amounts up to $32,000 and offering alternative service options for those who receive these payments, including service in the Navy Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, or other reserve components, or as commissioned officers in certain government services, while also clarifying the definition of "short sea transportation" to include freight vehicles on commuter ferry boats and authorizing appropriations for fiscal years 2016 and 2017 to support the operations of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, State maritime academies, and other Maritime Administration programs crucial for national security.