With supply chain strain and uncertainty racking America, U.S. Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA) on March 12 proposed legislation that would streamline the U.S. trade shipping process to ensure that products made in America are not prevented from reaching U.S. markets.
“Excessive red tape and outdated regulations are slowing the delivery of essential goods and making it harder for Americans to access products made right here at home,” Rep. Cline said. “This legislation supports domestic manufacturing, strengthens American energy supply chains, and keeps U.S. products competitive with foreign imports while still protecting American maritime jobs.”
The congressman sponsored the Protecting Access to American Products Act, H.R. 7900, which would amend current maritime law to allow for administrative flexibility in circumstances where supply chain continuity is questionable.
This would be important for American energy producers, which at times face transportation barriers moving domestically produced oil and petroleum products between U.S. ports when no qualified vessel is available, potentially forcing reliance on foreign imports despite strong American production, according to the lawmaker.
“The Protecting Access to American Products Act offers a common-sense, practical solution by streamlining the waiver process and helping ensure that American-made goods, including American energy products, can move across the country more easily,” said Rep. Cline.
H.R. 7900 would establish a waiver process for coastwise endorsement requirements, which currently allow a U.S. Coast Guard-documented vessel to transport passengers or merchandise, dredge, or tow between U.S. points.
Key requirements include that the vessel must be U.S.-built, owned by U.S. citizens (75 percent ownership for corporations), and hold a valid Certificate of Documentation.