Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act
Summary
The "Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act" aims to amend Title 46 of the United States Code to allow passenger vessels not built in the U.S. to receive coastwise endorsements. This would permit these vessels to transport passengers between U.S. ports, either directly or via foreign ports. The bill also repeals Section 12121 of Title 46.
Expected Effects
The primary effect would be to open U.S. coastal passenger transport to vessels built outside the United States. This could increase competition in the cruise industry and potentially lower prices for consumers. However, it may also impact domestic shipbuilding and related industries.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lower prices for consumers due to increased competition.
- Increased tourism and economic activity in port cities.
- Greater variety of cruise options for passengers.
- Possible job creation in port-related services (e.g., hospitality, transportation).
- May incentivize U.S. shipbuilders to become more competitive.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential job losses in the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
- Reduced demand for U.S.-built vessels.
- Possible negative impact on related industries that supply U.S. shipyards.
- Concerns about safety and environmental standards on foreign-built vessels.
- Could undermine the Jones Act, which protects domestic maritime industries.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution primarily concerns Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). The Constitution grants Congress the authority to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among the several states. This bill falls under that purview as it affects maritime commerce and the conditions under which vessels can operate in U.S. waters. However, there is no explicit constitutional requirement that vessels operating in US waters be built in the US.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).