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H.R. 4003 103rd Congress House

Maritime Security and Competitiveness Act of 1994

Official title: To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1995 for certain maritime programs of the Department of Transportation, to amend the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as … Show full official titleShow less

Official title: To authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1995 for certain maritime programs of the Department of Transportation, to amend the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, to revitalize the United States-flag merchant marine, and for other purposes.

Introduced: March 10, 1994 See on congress.gov
Transportation and Public Works AlaskaArmed Forces and National SecurityArmed forces reservesAuthorization
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BargesBuy AmericanCaliforniaCargo preferenceCoast guardCongressCongressional reporting requirementsContainer shipsDepartment of TransportationEconomic impact statementsEconomics and Public FinanceEducationEmployee rightsEnergy policyEnvironmental ProtectionEnvironmental educationFederal aid to higher educationFederal aid to transportationFederally-guaranteed loansFeesFinance and Financial SectorFlags of convenienceForeign Trade and International FinanceGasoline taxGovernment Operations and PoliticsGovernment paperworkGovernment procurementGovernment service contractsGreat LakesHarborsHawaiiHigher educationInternational competitivenessLabor and EmploymentLabor unionsLicensesLiensMaintenance and repairMarine and coastal resources, fisheriesMarine transportationMassachusettsMerchant marineMerchant seamenMerchant shipsMilitary sealiftMilitary trainingPrivate LegislationPuerto RicoScience, Technology, CommunicationsService academiesShipbuildingShipbuilding subsidiesShipsTariffTaxationTechnological innovationsTugboatsWages
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This bill died when the 103rd Congress ended
It never became law before the 103rd Congress (1993–1994) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 37 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Aug 3, 1994
Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Aug 2, 1994
The Clerk was authorized to correct section numbers, punctuation, and cross references, and to make other necessary technical and conforming corrections in the engrossment of H.R. 4003.
Aug 2, 1994
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Aug 2, 1994
On passage Passed by recorded vote: 294 - 122 (Roll no. 371).
Aug 2, 1994
The House adopted the amendment in the nature of a substitute as agreed to by the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union.
Aug 2, 1994
The previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.
Aug 2, 1994
The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 4003.
Aug 2, 1994
On motion to strike the enacting clause Failed by voice vote.
Aug 2, 1994
Mr. Taylor (MS) moved to strike the enacting clause.
Aug 2, 1994
DEBATE - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 500, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 30 minutes of debate on the Studds amendment.
Aug 2, 1994
GENERAL DEBATE - The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate.
Aug 2, 1994
The Speaker designated the Honorable Robert E. Wise Jr. to act as Chairman of the Committee.
Aug 2, 1994
House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 500 and Rule XXIII.
Aug 2, 1994
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4003 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered except motion to recommit. Providing for the consideration of the bill in the Committee of the Whole Measure will be read by section. Specified amendments are in order. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment an amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Merchant Marine now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means now printed in the bill and by the amendment printed in part 1 of the report accompanying this resolution. All points of order against the amendment, as modified, shall be waived. No amendment changing title II of the amendment in the nature of a substitute, as modified shall be in order except the amendment printed in part 2 of this report.
Aug 2, 1994
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 500. (consideration: CR H6573-6593)
Aug 2, 1994
Rule H. Res. 500 passed House.
Aug 1, 1994
Rules Committee Resolution H. Res. 500 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 4003 with 1 hour of general debate. Previous question shall be considered as ordered except motion to recommit. Providing for the consideration of the bill in the Committee of the Whole Measure will be read by section. Specified amendments are in order. It shall be in order to consider as an original bill for the purpose of amendment an amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on Merchant Marine now printed in the bill, modified by the amendment recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means now printed in the bill and by the amendment printed in part 1 of the report accompanying this resolution. All points of order against the amendment, as modified, shall be waived. No amendment changing title II of the amendment in the nature of a substitute, as modified shall be in order except the amendment printed in part 2 of this report.
Jul 29, 1994
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 344.
Jul 29, 1994
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Ways and Means. H. Rept. 103-544, Part II.
Jul 28, 1994
House Committee on Ways and Means Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than July 29, 1994.
Jul 27, 1994
Ordered to be Reported (Amended).
Jul 27, 1994
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Jul 27, 1994
Committee Hearings Held.
Jul 21, 1994
House Committee on Ways and Means Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than July 28, 1994.
Jul 12, 1994
House Committee on Ways and Means Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than July 22, 1994.
Jun 13, 1994
Referred sequentially to the House Committee on Ways and Means for a period ending not later than July 15, 1994 for consideration of such provisions contained in the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee pursuant to clause 1(v), rule X.
Jun 13, 1994
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. H. Rept. 103-544, Part I.
May 26, 1994
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
May 26, 1994
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
May 24, 1994
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
May 24, 1994
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
May 23, 1994
Mr. Studds asked unanimous consent that the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries have until 5:00 p.m. on June 3 to file a report on H.R. 4003. Agreed to without objection.
Apr 28, 1994
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Mar 17, 1994
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Mar 16, 1994
Referred to the Subcommittee On Merchant Marine.
Mar 10, 1994
Referred to the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.
Mar 10, 1994
Introduced in House
 Votes taken on this bill 1
DateChamberWhat was voted onResultYes–No
Aug 2, 1994 House · vote #371 On Passage Passed 294–122 See who voted →
 Amendments to this bill 3

Amendments propose changes to this bill. Members vote on amendments separately before the final bill vote. An agreed amendment becomes part of the bill; a failed amendment does not.

3 agreed to

AmendmentSponsorPurposeStatusLatest action
HAMDT 811 – An amendment to substitute the financing provisions of the bill by increasing from $1 billion to $1.35 billio… Agreed to Aug 2, 1994
HAMDT 810 – An amendment to increase the subsidy for construction or reconstruction of U.S.-flag vessels in U.S. shipyard… Agreed to Aug 2, 1994
HAMDT 809 – An amendment expressing that it is the sense of the Congress that all equipment and products purchased with f… Agreed to Aug 2, 1994
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 Latest action August 3, 1994

Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Title I: Maritime Security and Competitiveness

Title II: Maritime Administration

Title III: Tonnage Duties

Maritime Security and Competitiveness Act of 1994 - Title I: Maritime Security and Competitiveness - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to direct the Secretary of Transportation to carry out such Act in a manner that ensures the existence of an operating fleet of U.S. documented vessels that is sufficient to carry the domestic waterborne commerce of the United States and that meets other specified goals.

(Sec. 102) Directs the Secretary to establish a Maritime Security Fleet to enhance sealift capabilities and maintain a presence of U.S. documented vessels in international commercial shipping, consisting of privately owned, U.S. documented, active commercial vessels for which operating agreements are in effect.

Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) vessel eligibility; (2) operating agreements; (3) noncontiguous trade restrictions; (4) operating competing foreign vessels; and (5) funding.

(Sec. 103) Continues specified contracts in effect under title VI of such Act (subsidy for the operation of vessels in foreign trade or off-season cruises), with exceptions. Limits the application of restrictions on operations under specified circumstances.

(Sec. 104) Terminates restrictions applicable to a liner vessel constructed, reconstructed, or reconditioned with the aid of a construction differential subsidy 25 years after the date of the original delivery of the vessel from the shipyard.

(Sec. 106) Revises the definition of "privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessel" to mean a privately owned vessel that is documented under such Act and that: (l) was built in the United States; or (2) is built under a contract entered into after May 19, 1993, in a foreign shipyard that is not a foreign subsidized shipyard; or (3) does not transport on any voyage more than 12,000 tons of bulk cargo and meets other specified requirements.

(Sec. 107) Repeals specified mortgagee, trustee, and mortgage restrictions. Permits a certificate of documentation for a vessel to be endorsed with a coastwise endorsement if specified conditions are met.

(Sec. 108) Sets forth conditions under which a vessel may be placed under a foreign registry without the Secretary's approval.

(Sec. 109) Authorizes the Secretary to pay assistance to the owner of a shipyard located in the United States for the construction of any commercial vessel that is one of a series of vessels.

Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) series transition payments and construction agreements; (2) applications for assistance; (3) restrictions on vessel operations; (4) vessel design awards; and (5) expansion of standing for maritime unions.

(Sec. 113) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the impact of this Act on the international competitiveness of U.S. documented vessels and specified related issues.

(Sec. 114) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) cargo preference; (2) wages for which a preferred maritime lien may be established; and (3) compliance with the Buy American Act.

Title II: Maritime Administration - Maritime Administration Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1995 - Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary for use for the Maritime Administration. Directs the Secretary to use proceeds derived from the sale or disposal of National Defense Reserve Fleet vessels for specified purposes, including facility and ship maintenance, equipment acquisition, and certain fuel costs.

(Sec. 203) Provides for the reimbursement of certain fees by State maritime academies. Authorizes appropriations.

(Sec. 204) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) termination of conditions for State maritime academy assistance; (2) maintenance contracts for National Defense Reserve Fleet Vessels; and (3) maintenance of Ready Reserve Force vessels in reduced operating status.

(Sec. 207) Directs the Secretary to conduct a pilot program to evaluate the feasibility of using long-term contracts for the maintenance and repair of outported vessels in the Ready Reserve Force to enhance the readiness of those vessels.

(Sec. 208) Sets forth provisions regarding: (1) the Coast Guard Maritime Academy Reserve Training Program; and (2) reemployment rights for certain merchant seamen.

(Sec. 211) Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish a pilot program for Sealift Training at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy; and (2) pay a specified sum to the Academy for assistance to the Massachusetts Center for Marine Environmental Protection.

(Sec. 213) Requires the Secretary to report on: (1) the feasibility of conducting on Ready Reserve Force vessels a program to familiarize civilian merchant mariners with the operation of those vessels to facilitate national defense mobilizations; (2) the ability of the Coast Guard to track the availability of qualified civilian merchant mariners for service on such vessels during mobilizations; and (3) fostering and maintaining a U.S. merchant marine capable of meeting economic and national security requirements.

(Sec. 217) Directs the Secretary to study and report to the Congress on the feasibility of establishing a program of financial assistance to qualified ship repair yards to make those yards more competitive in international ship repair markets.

(Sec. 218) Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to qualified ship repair yards to pay 75 percent of the cost of acquiring advanced and modern ship repair technology.

Title III: Tonnage Duties - Increases tonnage duty imposed on certain entries into the United States.

(Sec. 303) Directs the Secretary to expeditiously enter into agreements under the Maritime Security and Competitiveness Act of 1993, subject to specified requirements. Prohibits the Secretary from entering into agreements under that or this Act which would result in total payments for any fiscal year in excess of specified limitations.

(Sec. 304) Authorizes appropriations necessary for entering into and making payments under agreements under such Act.

(Sec. 306) Expresses the sense of the Congress that equipment and products purchased with funds made available in this Act should be American-made. Requires Federal agency heads to provide notice of such statement in providing financial assistance to, or entering into contracts with, entities using funds made available in this Act.

 Related & companion bills 2
  • S 1945 Identical bill A bill to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1995 for certain maritime programs of the Department of Transportati…
  • HRES 500 Procedurally related Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4003) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 1995 for certain mariti…
 Bill text 4 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 4
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 4003: Maritime Security and Competitiveness Act of 1994. 103rd Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-4003/
MLA
"H.R. 4003: Maritime Security and Competitiveness Act of 1994." 103rd Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-4003/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 4003, 103rd Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-4003/.
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[H.R. 4003: Maritime Security and Competitiveness Act of 1994](https://openamerica.io/bill/103-HR-4003/)
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