By Ciara Mina
The United States House of Representatives has passed transportation-related bills that are set to strengthen the US flag fleet, improve maritime supply chain security and combat foreign adversary participation at American ports.
The bills
One of the most important bills passed was the Maritime Supply Chain Security Act (H.R. 2390), which makes it possible to replace port cranes with Chinese hardware or software using programme funds by amending the Port Infrastructure Development Programme.
The Secure Our Ports Act of 2025 (H.R. 252), will also lessen other countries’ control over vital port infrastructure in the United States.
Additionally included in the legislative package is the American Cargo for American Ships Act (H.R. 2035) which would require that 100 percent of Department of Transportation cargoes be transported on US-owned, US-crewed commercial vessels, up from the current 50 percent.
Another bill (H.R. 2351), addresses the use of unmanned vessels for smuggling and covert drug stowage aboard commercial ships, and instructs the Coast Guard to amend its rules regarding the enforcement of drug trafficking and the treatment of opioid overdoses.
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Next steps
The legislation package is now headed to the Senate, where it is unclear how long it will take and whether any amendments will be made.
This would be a significant step towards reshoring maritime infrastructure and re-investing in the long-term viability of the US-flag merchant marine if they were to become law.
The legislation will “strengthen our supply chain and limit the potential for Chinese, Russian, North Korean, and Iranian influence at US ports,” said Sam Graves, chairman of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He added that these are “common-sense” steps that will contribute to the safety of the country’s maritime transportation network.
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Shameeka Voyiya