II
115th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 1561
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
July 13, 2017
Mr. McCain introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
A BILL
To repeal the Jones Act restrictions on coastwise trade, and for other purposes.
Short title
This Act may be cited as the Open America's Waters Act of 2017
.
Repeal of certain limitations on coastwise trade
In general
Section 12112(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:
In general
A coastwise endorsement may be issued for a vessel that qualifies under the laws of the United States to engage in the coastwise trade.
.
Regulations
Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard shall issue regulations to implement the amendment made by subsection (a) that require all vessels permitted to engage in the coastwise trade to meet all appropriate safety and security requirements.
Conforming amendments
Tank vessel construction standards
Section 3703a(c)(1)(C) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking and is qualified for documentation as a wrecked vessel under section 12112 of this title
.
Liquified gas tankers
Section 12120 of such title is amended by striking , if the
and all that follows and inserting a period.
vessel—
Small passenger vessels
Section 12121(b) of such title is amended by striking 12112,
.
Loss of coastwise trade privileges
Section 12132 of such title is repealed.
Clerical amendment
The table of sections for chapter 121 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to section 12132.