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H.R.2547 / 103rd Congress

National Shipbuilding and Conversion Act of 1993

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. H. Rept. 103-420, Part I.

Official summary

Version 17 · Reported to House with amendment(s) · Feb 9, 1994

TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: National Shipbuilding Initiative Title II: Guarantees of Obligations for Vessel Construction and United States Shipyard Modernization Title III: Series Construction Assistance Title IV: Double Hull Requirement for Tankers Chartered by Department of Defense National Shipbuilding and Conversion Act of 1993 - Title I: National Shipbuilding Initiative - Establishes a National Shipbuilding Initiative program to consist of: (1) a financial incentives program to provide loan guarantees to initiate commercial ship construction, encourage shipyard modernization, and support increased productivity; (2) a technology development program; and (3) enhanced support for specified Department of the Navy shipbuilding programs. Makes private U.S. shipyards eligible for program financial assistance or participation. Title II: Guarantees of Obligations for Vessel Construction and United States Shipyard Modernization - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to authorize guarantees of obligations for eligible export vessels (defined as vessels constructed, reconstructed, or reconditioned in the United States which will be placed under the laws of another country). Authorizes such guarantees only if the eligible export vessel: (1) will aid in the transition of U.S. shipyards to commercial activities or preserve shipbuilding assets essential in war or a national emergency; and (2) is not transferred to any country hostile to U.S. interests. Authorizes loan guarantees for advanced shipbuilding technology and modern shipbuilding technology of a general U.S. shipyard facility. Authorizes appropriations. Title III: Series Construction Assistance - Authorizes the Secretary of Defense to pay assistance to a U.S. shipyard owner for the construction of any commercial vessel that is one of a series of vessels for which payment of assistance is approved under this title. Establishes conditions for assistance for series construction, including size and marketability of vessels, shipyard construction capability, applicant ability, and requirements for contracts and purchasers. Title IV: Double Hull Requirement for Tankers Chartered by Department of Defense - Prohibits the Secretary of Defense, after December 31, 1994, from entering into, renewing, or extending a contract for the charter of a tanker unless the tanker: (1) is built in a U.S. shipyard under a contract entered into after October 1, 1993; (2) is equipped with a double hull that satisfies specified tank vessel construction requirements; and (3) is chartered under the contract for at least ten years. Establishes further limitations on the entering into, renewal, or extension of contracts for charters of tankers that expire after December 31, 1994.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Studds, Gerry E. [D-MA-10] · D–MA

Committees

  • Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee
  • Armed Services Committee
42 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. H. Rept. 103-420, Part I.

  2. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. H. Rept. 103-420, Part I.

  3. Subcommittee On Merchant Marine Discharged.

  4. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

  5. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  6. Executive Comment Requested from DOD.

  7. Referred to the Subcommittee on Research and Technology.

  8. Referred to the Subcommittee On Merchant Marine.

  9. Referred to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.

  10. Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

  11. Introduced in House

  12. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Jun 6, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.2547 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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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.2547 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.2547 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.2547 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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