Port Modernization and Supply Chain Protection Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4753
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-02T15:58:16Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
This bill seeks to eliminate longstanding federal restrictions on dredging activities and the transportation of dredged material by repealing specific requirements from the Foreign Dredge Act of 1906.
Key Provisions Outlined
- Repeal of restrictions: Section 55109 of title 46, United States Code, is fully repealed, removing rules that previously applied to dredging and dredged material.
- Amendment to related section: Section 55110 of title 46, United States Code, is updated by deleting references to "or dredged material" in both the section heading and the body text, thereby excluding dredged material from certain transportation requirements.
Significant Changes to Existing Law Introduced
- The legislation removes the application of coastwise trade rules (under title 46) to dredging operations and dredged material, which had mandated compliance with U.S.-flagged vessel requirements.
- It simplifies regulatory treatment by carving out dredged material from broader prohibitions on foreign involvement in domestic maritime activities.
Potential Impacts
- On government agencies: Federal entities responsible for maritime regulation and port oversight may see reduced enforcement needs related to dredging compliance.
- On citizens and infrastructure: Ports and coastal areas could experience changes in project timelines due to altered access to dredging services.
- On international relations: The changes may facilitate greater participation by foreign operators in U.S. waterway maintenance.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Domestic and international dredging companies.
- Port authorities and harbor operators.
- Maritime transportation and supply chain businesses.
- Federal agencies involved in navigation and commerce regulation.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- This represents a targeted adjustment to U.S. maritime cabotage laws, potentially altering how foreign entities engage in domestic infrastructure work.
- No direct constitutional issues are addressed in the bill itself, though it modifies statutory limits on interstate and coastal commerce.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-11: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2026-06-11: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Port Modernization and Supply Chain Protection Act — issued 2026-06-11 — PDF (2 pages)