PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Executive Comment Requested from DOT.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Aug 6, 1998
Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1920 with respect to the prohibition against transport of merchandise in any vessel other than one built and documented under the laws of the United States and owned by a U.S. citizen, or one extended the privilege of engaging in the coastwise trade. Exempts from such prohibition the transport, as bulk cargo, of merchandise that is common ground clay on a freight vessel specifically designed for the carriage of such merchandise if the Secretary of the Treasury determines that a U.S.-flag freight vessel (crewed by less than 15 persons of either foreign or U.S. citizenship) is not available. Directs the Secretary to make such determination within 72 hours after receiving the necessary information. Amends Federal shipping law to revise certain eligibility requirements to require a vessel to be issued a certificate of documentation with a coastwise endorsement (restricting use to the carriage, as bulk cargo, of common ground clay) if it: (1) is eligible for documentation, is of at least 5,000 net tons, and is designed for the transportation of common ground clay; (2) is a freight vessel that was not built in the United States; and (3) otherwise qualifies under U.S. laws to be employed in coastwise trade authorized under the endorsement.
People & committees
Rep. Norwood, Charles W. [R-GA-10] · R–GA
Legislative record
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Executive Comment Requested from DOT.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1589)
Referred to House Transportation and Infrastructure
Referred to the Committee on National Security, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Referred to House National Security
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Jun 6, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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