MaritimeFedWatch

On April 30, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) together with several original co-sponsors re-introduced in the U.S. Senate the SHIPS for America Act, first introduced in December 2024, divided into two bills. Companion legislation was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS) and Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA). This is a major, historic effort to revitalize the U.S. merchant marine. The legislation had to be re-introduced to be considered by the new U.S. Congress which commenced in January.

On April 9, 2025, President Trump signed an Executive Order entitled “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance.” The EO directs a range executive actions – mainly executive reports to outline further action and to propose new legislation – all to promote the U.S. merchant marine including U.S. shipbuilding.

On February 21, 2025, the U.S. Trade Representative proposed trade sanctions against Chinese-built vessels and against Chinese company-operated vessels. The proposed sanctions stem from an investigation under section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 which commenced on April 17, 2024, culminating in a report issued on January 16, 2025, affirming the petition.