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H.R.1630 / 105th Congress

Ferry Intermodal Transportation Act

See H.R.2400.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · May 15, 1997

Ferry Intermodal Transportation Act - Directs the Secretary of Transportation to study, and submit a report on the results to specified congressional committees, ferry transportation in the United States and its possessions in order to identify: (1) existing ferry operations; and (2) potential U.S. ferry routes in the United States and its possessions and to develop certain information on them. Directs the Secretary to meet with State metropolitan planning organizations to discuss the results of the study and the availability of both Federal and State resources for providing ferry services. Amends the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 to make amounts available, out of the Highway Trust Fund (other than the Mass Transit Account), for the construction of ferry boats and ferry terminal facilities. Amends Federal shipping law, with regard to the issuance of a certificate of documentation for a small passenger vessel, passenger vessel, or a ferry, to declare that the members of an association, trust, joint venture, or other entity that owns a vessel that is not registered under the laws of a foreign country or titled in a State do not all have to be U.S. citizens provided the vessel is subject to a charter to a U.S. citizen. Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee loans for ferry operations in the transportation of passengers or passengers and vehicles in the United States and its possessions. Authorizes appropriations.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-13] · D–NJ

Committees

  • Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
13 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. See H.R.2400.

  2. Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

  3. Referred to the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation.

  4. Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E954)

  5. Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

  6. Introduced in House

  7. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Objective

Analyze H.R.1630 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Individual rights and government power

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