Safeguarding American Tourism Act
Summary
The Safeguarding American Tourism Act aims to exempt large cruise ships (800+ passenger berths) from certain requirements under the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA) and the Jones Act. It also adjusts requirements for alien crewmen permits. The bill seeks to modify regulations concerning coastwise trade and crewmember visa conditions for large cruise ships.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the Act would reduce regulatory burdens on large cruise ships operating in U.S. waters. This could lead to changes in the cruise industry's operational practices and potentially affect competition with smaller vessels. It may also impact employment practices related to crew members.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lower cruise costs for consumers due to reduced operational expenses for large cruise ships.
- Increased tourism revenue for ports and destinations that host large cruise ships.
- Streamlined visa processes for crew members, potentially easing staffing challenges for cruise lines.
- Greater flexibility for cruise lines in deploying large vessels to U.S. routes.
- Possible increase in cruise options and itineraries for passengers.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential negative impact on smaller U.S. flagged vessels that must comply with the PVSA and Jones Act.
- Possible job losses for American crew members if cruise lines hire more foreign workers due to relaxed visa requirements.
- Environmental concerns related to larger cruise ships and their impact on coastal ecosystems.
- Reduced economic benefits for U.S. shipyards and maritime industries that build and maintain smaller vessels.
- Potential for exploitation of foreign crew members due to relaxed visa oversight.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is primarily related to Congress's power to regulate commerce (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). The modifications to existing maritime laws fall under this purview. However, the potential impact on domestic industries and labor may raise concerns about promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble.
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).