S.Amdt. 6626

This amendment, submitted by Ms. Cantwell, aims to add a section to bill S. 4784 to authorize specific funding for the Maritime Administration within the Department of Transportation for fiscal year 2027.

The purpose of this amendment is to provide funding for programs that maintain the United States Merchant Marine. Key funding areas include:

• Educational Institutions: Support for the United States Merchant Marine Academy and State maritime academies.
• Vessels and Infrastructure: Funding for the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel program, the disposal of obsolete vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet, and the port infrastructure development program.
• National Security and Industry Support: Funds to maintain a United States flag merchant marine, support for small shipyards, maritime training programs, and a loan guarantee program.
• Operations and Workforce: Funding for Maritime Administration operations, a workforce development and innovation program, and the United States marine highway program.

The amendment also adds a limitation regarding the port infrastructure development program. It prohibits the use of funds for grants to buy fully automated cargo handling equipment if the Secretary of Transportation determines it would cause a net loss of jobs at a port or port terminal. If this determination is made, the Secretary must submit a report with the supporting data and analysis to the relevant House and Senate committees within 3 days.