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

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

Sec. 605. Noncompetitive eligibility for Federal employment

(a) Amendment. Chapter 521 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by sections 602 and 604, is amended by adding at the end the following:

Text this section adds to the law

52104. Noncompetitive eligibility for Federal employment

(a) Definition of agency. In this section, the term agency—

(1) has the meaning given the term Executive agency in section 105 of title 5, United States Code;

(2) includes the United States Postal Service and the Postal Regulatory Commission; and

(3) does not include the Government Accountability Office.

(b) Appointment authority. The head of an agency may appoint noncompetitively—

(1) a graduate of the United States Merchant Marine Academy who has met all of the requirements of their cadet commitment agreement under section 51306 of title 46, United States Code; or

(2) a credentialed United States Merchant Mariner with an officer or rating endorsement who has completed not less than 7 years of service aboard a vessel of the United States.

(b) Clerical amendment. The table of sections for chapter 521 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by sections 602 and 604, is amended by adding at the end the following:

Text this section adds to the law

52104. Noncompetitive eligibility for Federal employment.

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