PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Committee on Commerce. Committee consideration and Mark Up Session held.
Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Sep 22, 1998
United States Cruise Ship Tourism Act of 1998 - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to issue to an owner or operator a certificate of documentation with coastwise endorsement for up to three cruise ships of specified tonnage and passenger capacity which were not built or rebuilt in the United States. Makes a cruise ship with such a certificate eligible for a certificate of inspection if the Secretary determines that: (1) the cruise ship is classed by and designed in accordance with the rules of a classification society accepted by the Secretary; and (2) the cruise ship complies with applicable international agreements and associated guidelines, including being equipped with automatic sprinkler and fire detection systems that meet certain standards. Authorizes a coastwise qualified U.S.-flag, foreign-built cruise ship to be placed under foreign registry without the approval of the Secretary any time after its certificate of documentation. Requires the Secretary to revoke the coastwise endorsement of such cruise ship when it is placed under foreign registry. Authorizes the Secretary to approve the employment in the U.S. coastwise trade of a cruise ship that is not a documented vessel (coastwise qualified foreign-flag cruise ship). Sets forth certain limitations with respect to such cruise ships. Directs the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the development of the domestic cruise ship trade since the enactment of this Act, and make recommendations concerning the expansion or termination of authorities it enacts.
People & committees
Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] · R–AZ
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Committee on Commerce. Committee consideration and Mark Up Session held.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S10723)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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