Bill · H.Res. 463· House(119-HRES-463)
Condemning the illegal, international use of flag-of-convenience practices.
- Introduced
- 6/3/2025
- Last activity
- 6/4/2025 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- James Moylan
- Cosponsors
- - 2 - 5
- Introduced
- In Committee
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution condemns the international use of flag-of-convenience practices. It highlights how these practices undermine the United States merchant marine fleet, particularly during national emergencies or wars. The resolution notes that these practices facilitate illegal activities such as unregulated fishing, smuggling, and terrorist financing. It also addresses the negative impacts on labor standards and worker safety. Ultimately, the resolution seeks to support the United States maritime, shipbuilding, and repair industries.
Yes· 3 of 12
Would union members be better off under this?+7
The resolution explicitly supports maritime worker rights and combats practices that lead to low wages.
Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise?+6
The resolution supports worker rights and the efforts of the International Transport Workers' Federation.
Is this likely to create jobs?+5
The resolution supports increasing employment opportunities within the United States maritime industry.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Support for Maritime Industries: The resolution recognizes a need for more funding, employment opportunities, and protections for the United States maritime industry. (Resolution Section 1)
-
Strengthening Shipbuilding and Repair: The measure supports initiatives to address shortfalls in the United States shipbuilding and ship repair industries. (Resolution Section 2)
-
Support for Robust Businesses: There is a reaffirmation of support for United States businesses that rely on reliable maritime shipping, shipbuilding, fishing, and tourism industries. (Resolution Section 3)
-
Protection of Worker Rights: The resolution supports the efforts of the International Transport Workers' Federation to prevent and mitigate the effects of flag-of-convenience practices, which are linked to low wages and poor onboard conditions. (Resolution Section 4, Section 9)
-
Enhanced Maritime Safety and Oversight: The resolution emphasizes the importance of Port State Control Agreements to help uphold maritime standards. (Resolution Section 7)
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Impact on Shipowners and Costs: The text notes that flag-of-convenience practices are often used to avoid tariffs, sanctions, and other economic policies. (Whereas clause regarding economic policies)
-
Impact on Vessel Competitiveness: Ships that operate under United States labor laws may be sold to foreign owners to maintain cost competitiveness through flag-of-convenience practices. (Whereas clause regarding labor laws)
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Union Protections+6Increases Job Creation+5Improves Economic Growth+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Union Workers+7Good For Business Owners+4
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+4Improves Diplomatic Engagement+3Improves International Trade+2Increases Counter Terrorism Funding+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Environmental Protections+5Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- 6/11/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/9/2025
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 6/4/2025
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- 6/3/2025
- Submitted in House
- Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H2389)
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 5 Cosponsors added.
Ed CaseDemocrat · Hawaii
John GaramendiDemocrat · California
Jared HuffmanDemocrat · California
Kimberlyn King-HindsRepublican · Northern Mariana Islands
Aumua Amata RadewagenRepublican · American Samoa
Marilyn StricklandDemocrat · Washington
Jill TokudaDemocrat · Hawaii