This bill, the Open America's Waters Act, changes rules in title 46 of the U.S. Code about coastwise trade. It replaces the previous text of section 12112(a) so that a coastwise endorsement may be issued for any vessel that qualifies under United States laws to engage in coastwise trade. The bill directs the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard to issue regulations within 90 days to implement the change and to require that all vessels permitted to engage in coastwise trade meet appropriate safety and security requirements. The bill also makes several related edits to other sections of title 46, including removing references to section 12132 and repealing section 12132 (loss of coastwise trade privileges). Other conforming changes affect tank vessel construction standards, liquified gas tanker rules, small passenger vessel references, oil spill response vessel language, certain measurement rules, court sale provisions for undocumented vessels, and a clerical update to the chapter table of sections. The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 12, 2025, by Senator Mike Lee and was referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
No publicly available information on estimated costs or budgetary effects is included in the bill text. The bill requires the Coast Guard to issue regulations within 90 days, but it does not provide cost estimates or funding details.
No publicly available information in the bill text about proponents' stated views or arguments.
No publicly available information in the bill text about opponents' stated views or arguments.