Bill · S. 2043· Senate(119-S-2043)
Open America's Waters Act
- Introduced
- 6/12/2025
- Last activity
- 6/12/2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- Mike Lee
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, titled the "Open America's Waters Act," seeks to repeal the Jones Act restrictions on coastwise trade. It amends title 46 of the United States Code to allow a coastwise endorsement for any vessel that qualifies under United States laws. The Commandant of the Coast Guard is required to issue regulations within 90 days to ensure all permitted vessels meet safety and security requirements. Additionally, the bill includes several conforming amendments to various sections of title 46 regarding tank vessels, liquified gas tankers, and passenger vessels.
Yes· 3 of 9
Would business owners be better off under this?+5
Reducing trade barriers provides more opportunities and cost-saving measures for shipping businesses.
Is this likely to grow the economy?+4
Opening maritime trade routes can promote overall economic activity by increasing competition.
Is this likely to create jobs?+3
Repealing trade restrictions may stimulate maritime commerce and job opportunities in the shipping industry.
The opposite
Would union members be better off under this?-5
The repeal of the Jones Act is likely viewed as a threat to domestic maritime unions and their job security.
Does this strengthen the rights of workers to organise?-3
The removal of Jones Act protections may negatively impact domestic maritime labor unions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
- Removal of Coastwise Trade Restrictions: By amending section 12112(a) of title 46, the bill allows for a coastwise endorsement for vessels that qualify under the laws of the United States, which repeals certain current limitations on coastwise trade.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No 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.
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Economic Growth+4Increases Job Creation+3Reduces Inflation+1Improves Union Protections-3
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Interstate Commerce+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+5Good For Low Income Households+1Good For Middle Class Households+1Good For Union Workers-5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Trade+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Reduces Gas Prices+1
- 6/12/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Introduced in Senate
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.