Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal Act of 1995

Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

Congressional Research Service

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Aug 2, 1996

Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal Act of 1995 - Prohibits the owner or operator of a vessel from abandoning it on U.S. navigable waters. Sets forth a civil penalty for unlawful abandonment. Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, in cooperation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, to remove an abandoned vessel provided certain conditions are met. Makes an owner or operator of an abandoned vessel liable for all expenses incurred by the United States for its removal. Provides for the contracting out of removal activities. Shields the contractor from liability for damages during removal, except in cases of gross negligence, willful misconduct, personal injury, or wrongful death. Authorizes appropriations.

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People & committees

Who introduced it

Rep. Stark, Fortney Pete [D-CA-13] · D–CA

Committees

Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

0 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Legislative record

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

Aug 15, 1996
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Aug 2, 1996
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Aug 2, 1996
Introduced in House
Aug 2, 1996
Introduced in House

Primary sources

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Introduced in House · Aug 2, 1996 Formatted Text PDF

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

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

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.4010 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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Discuss H.R.4010, 104th Congress: Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal Act of 1995

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/house-bill/4010

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 1996-08-02.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/104/bills/hr4010/BILLS-104hr4010ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2025-08-21T20:14:10Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Analyze H.R.4010 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.

Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.4010 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.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss H.R.4010, 104th Congress: Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal Act of 1995

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/house-bill/4010

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 1996-08-02.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/104/bills/hr4010/BILLS-104hr4010ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2025-08-21T20:14:10Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine H.R.4010 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.

Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.4010 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.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss H.R.4010, 104th Congress: Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal Act of 1995

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/house-bill/4010

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 1996-08-02.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/104/bills/hr4010/BILLS-104hr4010ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2025-08-21T20:14:10Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine H.R.4010 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.

Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.4010 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.

View full prompt & sources

Discuss H.R.4010, 104th Congress: Abandoned and Derelict Vessel Removal Act of 1995

Official record: https://www.congress.gov/bill/104th-congress/house-bill/4010

Text version to examine: Introduced in House · 1996-08-02.

Official full text: https://www.congress.gov/104/bills/hr4010/BILLS-104hr4010ih.htm

Imported record last updated by the source: 2025-08-21T20:14:10Z. Verify current status and distinguish any later version from the version above.

Read the official text before answering. If you cannot access it, say so and ask me to provide it; do not assume a link means you have read the document. Distinguish proposals from enacted law, cite sources, and separate facts, interpretation, and uncertain predictions. Include counterarguments even when using a particular perspective.

Examine H.R.4010 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.