S.Amdt. 6377

This amendment aims to tighten the rules for using United States government cargo vessels and ensure higher accountability for how these ships are used. It changes the requirements for transporting government goods and clarifies who has the authority to bypass these rules.

Key Changes and Additions:

• Increased Capacity Requirements: It changes the required percentage in section 55305(a) of title 46, United States Code, from "at least 50" to "100."

• Stricter Waiver Process: It establishes that only the Maritime Administrator (as Director of the National Shipping Authority) can determine if qualified U.S. vessel capacity is unavailable. Waivers can only be granted temporarily by the President or the Secretaries of Defense, State, or Transportation during a declared emergency.

• Accountability and Audits: The amendment requires the Maritime Administrator to notify Congress within 14 days of any credible information that a federal agency violated these shipping requirements. Additionally, the Inspector General of the Department of Transportation must conduct annual audits of reimbursements made for increased freight costs.

• Financial Support: It adds a new section (55316) allowing the Secretary of Transportation to finance and reimburse covered agencies for reasonable increases in ocean freight costs resulting from these rules.

• Expanded Scope: It clarifies that these requirements apply to various activities, including those under the Food for Peace Act, the Food for Progress Act of 1985, and the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition Program.

• New Guidance: The Maritime Administrator is required to create regulations and interagency guidance within one year to ensure full compliance.