Rebuilding the United States-Flag International Fleet Act
Impact
The passage of HB 2373 would significantly impact federal law governing transportation and shipping practices related to agricultural exports. By reinstating minimum tonnage requirements and ensuring transportation cost reimbursements for U.S. flag vessels, the bill aims to enhance the competitiveness of U.S. flagged ships in the global market. This could potentially lead to increased employment in the maritime sector, boost domestic agricultural exports, and solidify the position of U.S. maritime operators in fulfilling governmental transport needs, which has implications for national security.
Summary
House Bill 2373, officially titled the 'Rebuilding the United States-Flag International Fleet Act', aims to reinstate certain laws related to the minimum tonnage of agricultural commodities and products. Specifically, the bill seeks to repeal sections of previous legislation that limited the minimum tonnage requirements and transportation cost reimbursements for agricultural products shipped on U.S. flag vessels. The amendments provided in this bill are intended to bolster the U.S. maritime industry and ensure that American shipping capabilities are preserved for governmental and agricultural needs.
Contention
There are notable points of contention surrounding HB 2373, particularly regarding the implications for cost and operational flexibility. Critics argue that reinstating minimum tonnage requirements may add to logistical burdens for exporters, potentially raising costs in the short term. Additionally, there may be concerns among stakeholders about the effectiveness of these regulations in a global shipping environment where competition is increasing. Advocates, however, emphasize the importance of maintaining U.S. maritime infrastructure and ensuring that agricultural products are transported on American vessels to safeguard national interests.
To support the national defense and economic security of the United States by supporting vessels, ports, and shipyards of the United States and the U.S. maritime workforce.
Safer Highways and Increased Performance for Interstate Trucking Act or the SHIP IT Act This bill expands programs and special permits for trucks and truck drivers. Specifically, a state may issue a special permit for certain overweight vehicles based on a Presidential major disaster declaration or a Department of Transportation (DOT) declaration (1) of an emergency (including non-natural or financial), or (2) that the United States supply chain is having issues. Currently, a state may issue a special permit only based on a Presidential major disaster declaration. DOT must also, subject to the availability of funds, award competitive grants to construct or improve commercial vehicle parking facilities. Under the bill, the Department of Labor must provide Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grants for entry level commercial motor vehicle driver training. The bill also establishes a limited tax credit, adjusted annually based on inflation, for eligible commercial driver's license holders. Further, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration must revise certain regulations related to commercial driver's license testing and permits, including to allow a third-party examiner to administer commercial driver's license tests. DOT must also establish a pilot program allowing states to issue permits for qualifying vehicles with six axles or more operating at greater than 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight on a state's Interstate System. (Generally, the federal commercial vehicle weight limit is 80,000 pounds, with some exceptions.) The bill also exempts the battery weight from the gross vehicle weight for certain commercial motor vehicles powered primarily by electric battery power. Finally, existing driving time exemptions are expanded for truck drivers transporting agricultural commodities and farm supplies within a 150-mile radius.