119th (2025–2027)
H.R. 8021
H.R. 8021 allows foreign-owned vessels to transport crude oil and petroleum products between U.S. ports without obtaining a "coastwise endorsement," a requirement that normally restricts such domestic shipping to U.S.-flagged vessels. The bill effectively opens up domestic oil transportation to foreign competition, though it includes security restrictions prohibiting any vessel owned by Russian nationals, the Russian government, Chinese nationals, or the Chinese government, as well as any vessel with Russian or Chinese crew members. This legislation affects domestic shipping companies, oil and petroleum product distributors, and interstate maritime commerce. The bill contains no specified funding allocations or implementation timelines beyond the amendments to federal maritime law.