Safeguarding American Tourism Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 30, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to deregulate the large cruise ship industry operating in U.S. waters by loosening cabotage and crew citizenship requirements, potentially increasing competition, expanding itineraries, and lowering operational costs for large vessels.
What it actually does
This bill exempts large cruise ships (defined as having 800 or more passenger berths) from key provisions of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) and the Jones Act, specifically regarding coastwise trade and vessel documentation. It also relaxes U.S. citizenship requirements for crew on these large vessels and streamlines the process for alien crewmen to obtain temporary landing permits in the United States.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill will significantly boost American tourism, create jobs in port communities, and increase consumer choice by allowing more direct and varied cruise itineraries between U.S. ports. They contend that current maritime laws are outdated and hinder the competitiveness of the U.S. cruise market, and that these exemptions will modernize regulations to reflect the global nature of the industry.
Opponents contend
Opponents would likely argue that this bill fundamentally undermines the long-standing protections of the PVSA and Jones Act, which are designed to support the U.S. maritime industry, shipbuilding, and American mariner jobs. They would contend it could lead to a decline in U.S.-flagged vessels, reduce American crew employment, and potentially compromise national security and labor standards.
The bill is short and relatively straightforward in its language, allowing for a quick initial read, but its implications require a deeper understanding of existing maritime law and its economic and strategic purposes.
Section 2(a), amending 46 U.S.C. 55103
Exemption of Large Cruise Ships from Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA)
This provision exempts any vessel with 800 or more passenger berths from the requirements of the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA). The PVSA generally prohibits foreign-flagged vessels from transporting passengers between two U.S. ports, either directly or indirectly, without an intervening stop in a foreign port. This exemption would allow large foreign-flagged cruise ships to operate direct itineraries between U.S. ports.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this will enhance tourism by allowing more convenient and direct cruise itineraries within the U.S., fostering economic growth in port cities, and offering consumers more choices and potentially lower prices.
Critics contend
Opponents would contend this provision undermines the intent of the PVSA to protect the domestic maritime industry and American jobs, potentially leading to a decline in U.S.-flagged passenger vessels and associated employment.
Tradeoffs
This provision balances the desire for increased consumer choice and industry flexibility against the protection of the domestic maritime industry and American jobs.
Section 2(b), amending 46 U.S.C. 12103 and 12112(a)
Exemption of Large Cruise Ships from Jones Act Vessel Documentation Requirements
This section exempts vessels with 800 or more passenger berths, transporting passengers between U.S. ports (directly or via a foreign port), from certain Jones Act requirements related to vessel documentation and ownership. Specifically, it modifies sections 12103 and 12112(a) of title 46, which dictate that vessels engaged in coastwise trade must be U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-crewed. This exemption would allow foreign-built and foreign-owned large cruise ships to engage in coastwise passenger trade.
Section 2(c), amending 46 U.S.C. 8103(k)
Exemption from U.S. Citizenship and Navy Reserve Requirements for Crew on Large Cruise Ships
This provision exempts vessels with 800 or more passenger berths, operating between U.S. ports, from certain requirements regarding the citizenship of their crew and the employment of U.S. Navy Reservists. Specifically, it amends 46 U.S.C. 8103(a) and (b), which generally mandate that a certain percentage of crew members on U.S. vessels must be U.S. citizens and that certain vessels must employ members of the Navy Reserve. This change would allow large cruise ships to employ a higher proportion of foreign crew.
Section 3, amending 8 U.S.C. 1282(a)
Streamlined Temporary Landing Permits for Alien Crewmen
This section amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to streamline the process for alien crewmen to obtain temporary landing permits in the United States. It removes the specific time limit (previously 'not to exceed 29 days') for such permits, allowing them to be valid for the period the crewman holds a valid, unexpired visa, provided the officer is satisfied the crewman intends to depart. It also simplifies the departure requirements, allowing crewmen to depart on any vessel or aircraft, not just the one they arrived on or a specific other vessel.