Incentivizing the Expansion of U.S. Ports Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4758
- 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
- 2026-07-02T21:14:56Z
AI-Generated Summary
Incentivizing the Expansion of U.S. Ports Act (S. 4758)
Purpose The legislation seeks to remove specific regulatory barriers related to dredging operations and the handling of dredged material. Its goal is to facilitate port expansion and maintenance by easing restrictions on vessel eligibility and material transport.
Key Provisions
- Amends 46 U.S.C. § 55109(a)(3) to expand eligibility for dredging vessel certificates and endorsements by adding language that allows qualification without regard to the requirement in section 12112(a)(2).
- Revises 46 U.S.C. § 55110 by deleting references to “dredged material” in both the section heading and body text, thereby excluding dredged material from certain coastwise transportation rules.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Broadens the circumstances under which vessels may obtain necessary documentation for dredging activities.
- Removes dredged material from the scope of transportation restrictions that previously applied alongside other covered items.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: May reduce administrative oversight by the U.S. Coast Guard and Maritime Administration for certain dredging projects.
- Citizens and industry: Could accelerate port infrastructure improvements by allowing greater flexibility in vessel use and material movement.
- International relations: Potentially increases opportunities for foreign-flagged vessels in domestic dredging work.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. port authorities and operators
- Dredging and marine construction companies
- Domestic and foreign vessel owners and operators
- Maritime labor organizations
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill represents a targeted adjustment to coastwise trade laws without altering core constitutional authorities over maritime commerce. It may shift policy emphasis toward operational efficiency in port development while maintaining existing vessel documentation frameworks.
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
- Incentivizing the Expansion of U.S. Ports Act — issued 2026-06-11 — PDF (2 pages)