H.R. 3151

SHIPS for America Act of 2025

Sponsor: Trent Kelly

145 cosponsors
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I Oversight and accountability

II Maritime Security Trust Fund

III Sealift capability

IV Vessels of the United States in international commerce

A Strategic sealift programs

B Cargo preference

Sec. 417. Moving cargo on vessels of the United States

(a) Assessment required. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Maritime Security Advisor, in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Commerce, the Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, and the United States Trade Representative, shall—

(1) conduct an assessment that identifies authorities available under current Federal law, as of the date of such identification, that may be utilized to incentivize the movement of commercial cargo on vessels of the United States in international commerce;

(2) review methods for greater assurances of access, in crisis and conflict, to vessels of international allies and partners of the United States; and

(3) makes recommendations to the President to utilize such authorities.

(b) Inclusions. The assessment required under subsection (a) shall include an evaluation of—

(1) tax benefits for taxpayers who ship goods aboard vessels of the United States;

(2) modifications to import and export duties for goods imported or exported aboard vessels of the United States;

(3) privileges for vessels of the United States that enable vessels of the United States to provide improved service relative to other vessels in international commerce; and

(4) any other authorities that would incentivize the movement of goods aboard vessels of the United States.

(c) Report to Congress. Upon carrying out the assessment required under subsection (a), the Maritime Security Advisor shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress—

(1) a list of the recommendations made under subsection (a)(3); and

(2) a list of additional actions that could be taken by Congress to further incentivize the movement of commercial cargo on vessels of the United States.

(d) Definition. In this section, the term vessel of the United States has the meaning given the term in section 116 of title 46, United States Code.

C Regulatory reform

V Shipbuilding

A Shipbuilding financial incentives

B Department of Defense Programs

C Shipbuilding innovation and infrastructure

VI Workforce Development

A Workforce incentives

B Workforce Pipeline

C United States Merchant Marine Academy and State maritime academies

D Maritime Credentialing Modernization

VII Amendments to the internal revenue code of 1986