The House of Representatives has passed three bipartisan bills aimed at supporting American maritime interests, improving water quality, and addressing marine debris.
One of the approved measures is H.R. 4183, the Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025. Introduced by Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), this bill reauthorizes funding for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The legislation is designed to protect U.S. shippers and consumers from unfair or anticompetitive practices by foreign-based ocean carriers.
Another bill, H.R. 3962, known as the Enhancing Science, Treatment, and Upkeep of America’s Resilient and Important Estuarine Systems (ESTUARIES) Act, was introduced by Rep. Shomari Figures (D-AL). This act reauthorizes the National Estuary Program (NEP), a non-regulatory grant program that helps local communities improve water quality in coastal areas across the country. The ESTUARIES Act extends NEP funding through 2031 at current levels and broadens its list of priority considerations.
The third piece of legislation passed is S. 216, Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act, introduced by Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK). This bill seeks to enhance national efforts to address marine debris affecting the U.S. economy and navigation safety but does not create new requirements for industry or local governments.
T&I Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) stated: “The House approved three important bipartisan bills today, including a bill to reauthorize the Federal Maritime Commission. This bill strengthens oversight, protects U.S. shippers and carriers from unfair foreign practices, and reinforces the reliability of our maritime supply chains. In particular, I want to commend Congressman Johnson for his leadership on the Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act, and I look forward to advancing these bills.”
T&I Ranking Member Larsen also commented: “Today’s trio of bills passed under suspension will strengthen the nation’s maritime industry by creating good-paying jobs, help clean up our oceans, and protect the health of the nation’s estuaries – including in my home state of Washington,” T&IRanking Member Larsen said. “Thank you to Chairman Graves for the bipartisan work on these bills. I look forward to the Senate taking up the ESTUARIES Act and the Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act.”
These legislative actions aim to reinforce oversight in maritime commerce while supporting environmental protection initiatives related to estuaries and marine debris.
