“American Cargo For American Ships Act” Introduced

Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (CA-24) and Chair Mike Ezell (MS-04) introduced the bipartisan “American Cargo for American Ships Act” to strengthen U.S. Cargo preference laws and promote American economic growth.

The legislation aims to reduce the ongoing decline of U.S. flagged ships.

In 2022, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) testified before the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and highlighted the decline of U.S. flagged ships. Per MARAD, there were 106 ships in the foreign trade flying the U.S. flag in 2012. Four years later, there were just 77 vessels. Today, from that low point, it has grown back to 87.

The “American Cargo for American Ships Act” would increase cargo preference for all U.S. Department of Transportation cargoes to 100%. The Cargo Preference Act of 1954 requires that 50% of civilian agencies cargo and agricultural cargo be carried on U.S.-flag vessels – it is the maritime industry’s “Buy America” law. MARAD is the lead federal agency that manages cargo preference activities and compliance.

"American cargo transported by American ships bolsters our economy, creates more jobs, and protects our supply chains," said Carbajal. "I'm proud to introduce the American Cargo for American Ships Act that will ensure