HR 4996
117th Congress
House
Transportation and Public Works
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Manufacturing
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Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021
Introduced: August 10, 2021
Introduced by:
Garamendi, John
Democratic
· California
See on congress.gov
Everywhere this bill has been
13 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Dec 9, 2021
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Dec 8, 2021
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Dec 8, 2021
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 364 - 60 (Roll no. 406). (text: CR H7473-7475)
Dec 8, 2021
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 364 - 60 (Roll no. 406).(text: CR H7473-7475)
Dec 8, 2021
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7528-7529)
Dec 8, 2021
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Dec 8, 2021
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4996.
Dec 8, 2021
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7472-7479)
Dec 8, 2021
Mr. Garamendi moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Aug 11, 2021
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Aug 10, 2021
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Aug 10, 2021
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E888)
Aug 10, 2021
Introduced in House
Votes taken on this bill
1
| Date | Chamber | What was voted on | Result | Yes–No | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 8, 2021 | House · vote #406 | On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended | Passed | 364–60 | See who voted → |
Plain-English summary
Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021
This bill revises provisions related to ocean shipping policies and is designed to support the growth and development of U.S. exports and promote reciprocal trade in the common carriage of goods by water in the foreign commerce of the United States.
Among other provisions, the bill
- sets forth requirements for operating a shipping exchange involving ocean transportation in the foreign commerce of the United States;
- requires ocean common carriers to report to the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) each calendar quarter on total import and export tonnage and the total loaded and empty 20-foot equivalent units per vessel that makes port in the United States;
- requires the FMC to publish and annually update all its findings of false certifications by ocean common carriers or marine terminal operators and all penalties assessed against such carriers or operators;
- revises annual reporting requirements for the FMC on foreign laws and practices to include practices by ocean common carriers;
- prohibits ocean common carriers and marine terminal operators from retaliating or discriminating against shippers because such shippers have patronized another carrier, or filed a complaint;
- directs the FMC to establish rules prohibiting ocean common carriers and marine terminal operators from adopting and applying unjust and unreasonable demurrage and detention fees;
- authorizes the FMC to initiate investigations of an ocean common carrier's fees or charges and apply enforcement measures, as appropriate;
- directs the Department of Transportation to seek to enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to study the U.S. supply chain industry, including data constraints that impede the flow of maritime cargo and add to supply chain inefficiencies; and
- provides authority for the FMC to issue an emergency order requiring ocean common carriers or marine terminal operators to share directly with relevant shippers, rail carriers, or motor carriers information relating to cargo throughput and availability.
What's happening now
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.