Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 30, 2025
Bottom line
The bill would open U.S. domestic passenger vessel trade to foreign-built ships, potentially increasing competition and tourism but raising concerns about domestic shipbuilding and maritime labor.
What it actually does
This bill amends existing maritime law to allow passenger vessels not built in the United States to receive a coastwise endorsement, enabling them to transport passengers between U.S. ports, either directly or via a foreign port. It explicitly repeals the current prohibition on foreign-built vessels engaging in such trade, effectively creating an exemption for passenger vessels from a key component of the Jones Act.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that this bill will foster greater competition in the U.S. cruise market, leading to more diverse offerings and potentially lower prices for American consumers. They also contend that it will boost tourism and economic activity in U.S. ports by allowing more vessels to operate domestic itineraries.
Opponents contend
Opponents contend that this legislation would significantly undermine the Jones Act, a cornerstone of U.S. maritime policy, by removing protections for the domestic shipbuilding industry and American maritime jobs. They argue it could compromise national security by reducing the U.S. capacity to build and crew vessels.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for public review and understanding its core policy change.
Section 2(a)
Allowing Foreign-Built Passenger Vessels for Coastwise Trade
This provision amends section 12112(a)(2)(B) of title 46, United States Code, to permit passenger vessels not built in the United States to receive a coastwise endorsement. This means foreign-built ships would be allowed to transport passengers between ports or places in the United States, including routes that involve a stop at a foreign port, a practice currently restricted by the Jones Act.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision will stimulate the U.S. tourism economy, offer consumers more choices, and potentially reduce travel costs by introducing more competition into the domestic cruise market.
Critics contend
Critics contend that this provision directly undermines the intent of the Jones Act, which is to protect and foster the U.S. maritime industry, including shipbuilding and skilled labor. They argue it could lead to job losses and a decline in domestic shipbuilding capacity.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the economic benefits of increased tourism and consumer choice against the long-standing policy goal of protecting domestic shipbuilding and maritime employment for economic and national security reasons.
Section 2(b)
Repeal of Existing Passenger Vessel Restriction
This section repeals section 12121 of title 46, United States Code. This existing law currently prohibits foreign-built or rebuilt vessels from engaging in coastwise passenger trade. Its repeal is a necessary conforming amendment to allow the changes made in Section 2(a) to take effect, removing the explicit legal barrier for foreign-built passenger ships.
Section 2(c)
Rule of Construction Regarding Other Applicable Laws
This provision clarifies that the amendments made by this bill do not exempt any passenger vessel from other applicable laws of the United States, except for the specific changes explicitly provided in the amendments. This ensures that safety, environmental, labor, and other regulatory requirements continue to apply to all vessels, regardless of their build origin or coastwise endorsement status.