Bill · H.R. 4813· House(119-HR-4813)
Noncontiguous Disaster Shipping Act
- Introduced
- 7/29/2025
- Last activity
- 7/30/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- James Moylan
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Noncontiguous Disaster Shipping Act aims to amend title 46 of the United States Code. It provides for the waiver of navigation or vessel-inspection laws in noncontiguous areas when a major disaster or emergency is declared by the President. These waivers apply to vessels transporting cargo to or from the affected area for disaster relief purposes. The bill defines noncontiguous areas as Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Hawaii, and Alaska.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?+7
The bill streamlines the transport of essential cargo to noncontiguous areas during major disasters by waiving navigation and vessel-inspection laws.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+4
By speeding up disaster relief logistics, the bill helps ensure the timely arrival of essential goods for populations in affected areas.
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?+4
The bill provides faster logistics for disaster relief in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Disaster Relief Logistics: Under Section 2, subsection (c)(1), the head of the relevant agency can waive navigation or vessel-inspection laws for vessels transporting cargo to or from an affected noncontiguous area for the purpose of disaster relief. This could help move essential goods more quickly during a major disaster or emergency.
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Flexibility via Extensions: According to Section 2, subsection (c)(2)(B), the agency head can extend a waiver for an additional period of up to 10 days after consulting with the Governor of the affected area, which allows for continued relief efforts if the initial waiver expires.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Time Limits on Waivers: Section 2, subsection (c)(2)(A) states that a waiver is generally limited to a period of not more than 10 days, and Section 2, subsection (c)(2)(C) sets an aggregate duration limit of 45 days for all waivers and extensions related to a single major disaster or emergency. This could potentially limit the duration of assistance if the relief needs exceed these timeframes.
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 Hispanic Americans+4Good For Low Income Households+4Good For Rural Residents+3Good For Urban Residents+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+7Improves Public Transit+3
- 7/30/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- 7/29/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Ed CaseDemocrat · Hawaii
Kimberlyn King-HindsRepublican · Northern Mariana Islands
Aumua Amata RadewagenRepublican · American Samoa
Ritchie TorresDemocrat · New York