Bill · H.R. 3940· House(119-HR-3940)
Open America's Waters Act
- Introduced
- 6/12/2025
- Last activity
- 6/13/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Tom McClintock
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Open America's Waters Act," seeks to repeal the Jones Act restrictions on coastwise trade. It amends Section 12112(a) of title 46, United States Code, to allow a coastwise endorsement for any vessel that qualifies under United States laws to engage in coastwise trade. The Commandant of the Coast Guard is required to issue safety and security regulations for these vessels within 90 days. Additionally, the bill includes several conforming amendments to various sections of title 46.
Yes· 3 of 11
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
Businesses involved in import/export and logistics stand to benefit significantly from reduced trade restrictions.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
By removing Jones Act restrictions, the bill likely stimulates maritime commerce and job opportunities in the shipping sector.
Is this likely to grow the economy?+3
Opening waters to more trade can stimulate overall economic activity and logistical efficiency.
The opposite
Would union members be better off under this?-3
The repeal of the Jones Act directly reduces the market protection and influence of domestic maritime unions.
Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise?-2
The repeal of the Jones Act may reduce the dominance of domestic maritime unions protected by current trade restrictions.
Does this better protect air, water and wildlife?-1
Broadening trade eligibility might increase maritime traffic, potentially leading to more environmental risks.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Broadened Coastwise Trade Eligibility: Under Section 2(a), the amendment changes the rules so that a coastwise endorsement can be issued for any vessel that qualifies under U.S. laws to engage in coastwise trade, effectively repealing certain current restrictions.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+4Good For Farmers+2Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Union Workers-3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+3Increases Job Creation+3Reduces Inflation+1Improves Union Protections-2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Interstate Commerce+3
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+1Reduces Gas Prices+1Improves Environmental Protections-1
- 6/13/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- 6/12/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.