Bill · S. 2537· Senate(119-S-2537)
Open America's Ports Act
- Introduced
- 7/30/2025
- Last activity
- 7/30/2025 — 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
The "Open America's Ports Act" seeks to adjust ownership and requirements for passenger vessels. It repeals the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 (Section 55103 of title 46). The bill also modifies Jones Act requirements regarding vessels transporting passengers between United States ports, whether directly or through a foreign port. Additionally, it adjusts citizenship and Navy Reserve requirements for these specific passenger vessels. Finally, the act includes several conforming amendments to various sections of title 46 and the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
The bill reduces the ownership and citizenship constraints on vessels used for passenger transport.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+3
The bill reduces regulatory requirements for vessels transporting passengers between U.S. ports.
Does this improve buses, trains and other public transport?+2
The bill eases requirements for passenger vessels operating between United States ports.
The opposite
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?-2
The bill removes certain Navy Reserve requirements for passenger vessels transporting between U.S. ports.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Changes to Jones Act Requirements: Under Section 2(b), the requirements of section 12103 would no longer apply to vessels transporting passengers between U.S. ports, including those traveling via a foreign port.
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Changes to Citizenship and Navy Reserve Requirements: Under Section 2(c), the exemptions provided in subsections (a) and (b) of section 8103(k) would not apply to vessels transporting passengers between U.S. ports, whether directly or via a foreign port.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Repeal of the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886: Under Section 2(a), section 55103 of title 46 is repealed.
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Conforming Amendments: Under Section 2(d), various sections of title 46 and the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 are amended or repealed.
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 Urban Residents+1
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Public Transit+2
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits-2
- 7/30/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Introduced in Senate