Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 6866
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-05T09:06:48Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation, titled the "Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act," aims to promote fairness in how federal funds are distributed for port improvement projects by requiring an even spread across different regions of the United States. This helps ensure that port infrastructure investments benefit ports nationwide, rather than concentrating in certain areas.
Key Provisions
- Amendments to the Port and Intermodal Improvement Program (under Section 54301(a)(6)(B) of Title 46, U.S. Code): Adds a new requirement that project selection must include "ensuring equitable geographic distribution among regions of the United States."
- Amendments to Assistance for Small Inland River and Coastal Ports and Terminals (under Section 54301(b)(4) of Title 46, U.S. Code): Similarly adds a mandate for "equitable geographic distribution among regions" in selecting projects for smaller ports.
- These changes apply to programs that fund improvements to port facilities, intermodal connections (like links between ports, roads, and rails), and support for smaller ports along rivers and coasts.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- The bill modifies two existing federal programs by inserting new language into their selection criteria. Previously, these programs focused on factors like project merit, economic benefits, and environmental impacts, but did not explicitly require balancing projects across U.S. regions (e.g., Northeast, South, Midwest, West).
- No projects are eliminated or new funding created; it only adds geographic equity as a fourth key consideration in the decision-making process for both programs.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of Transportation (likely through the Maritime Administration) will need to adjust how it evaluates and selects projects, potentially requiring new guidelines or review processes to track regional balance. This could slow decision-making initially but promote more transparent funding allocation.
- On Citizens and Local Economies: Residents in underserved regions (e.g., rural or inland areas) may see improved access to port upgrades, boosting local jobs, trade, and transportation efficiency. Urban or high-traffic port areas might receive relatively less funding to allow for broader distribution.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though enhanced U.S. port infrastructure could indirectly support smoother global trade by making American ports more competitive and reliable for international shipping.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Port Authorities and Operators: Especially those managing smaller inland river ports, coastal terminals, and intermodal facilities, who may gain better access to federal grants.
- Regional and State Governments: States and localities in less-developed port regions (e.g., Midwest rivers or smaller coastal areas) stand to benefit from more equitable funding.
- Federal Agencies: Primarily the Maritime Administration and the Department of Transportation, responsible for administering these programs.
- Shipping and Trade Industries: Businesses relying on efficient ports, including exporters, importers, and logistics companies, could experience more balanced national infrastructure improvements.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The changes are straightforward amendments to existing maritime law (Title 46, U.S. Code), reinforcing federal oversight of infrastructure spending without creating new enforcement mechanisms. It aligns with broader U.S. policies on equitable resource distribution but may invite future lawsuits if geographic criteria lead to disputes over "equity" definitions.
- Constitutional: No apparent conflicts; it supports Congress's authority under the Commerce Clause to regulate interstate and foreign commerce, including ports.
- Political: Introduced with bipartisan sponsorship from representatives across multiple states, suggesting broad support for fairer federal investments. It could influence future infrastructure bills by setting a precedent for regional equity in grant programs, potentially reducing political favoritism in funding decisions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Joyce, David P. [R-OH-14]
Cosponsors (10)
Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Huizenga, Bill [R-MI-4], Rep. Mrvan, Frank J. [D-IN-1], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Kaptur, Marcy [D-OH-9], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Dingell, Debbie [D-MI-6], Rep. Houchin, Erin [R-IN-9], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-02: Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
- 2025-12-18: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- 2025-12-18: Introduced in House
- 2025-12-18: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Securing Smart Investments in our Ports Act — issued 2025-12-18 — PDF (2 pages)