U.S. House of Representatives Passes First U.S. Shipping-Law Revamp in Two Decades
The U.S. House of Representatives passed on Wednesday the first major update on U.S. international ocean-shipping laws in over two decades – an important step for marine manufacturers who have been affected by ongoing supply chain and port disruptions exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Bipartisan legislation, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 (OSRA) (H.R. 4996), introduced by Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-03) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) passed in the U.S. House by a vote of 364-60 is the first step toward longer-term reform to shipping laws that would strengthen America’s global competitiveness and lower costs for American consumers.
OSRA 2021 provides critical updates to alleviate longstanding, systemic supply chain and port distribution issues that threaten thousands of businesses, jobs, and outdoor recreation opportunities during a time when people are flocking to the water. Just this year, sales have reached a 13-year high, selling more than 310,000 new boats in the U.S. The recreational boating industry continues to be an economic engine, and a healthy supply chain system is integral to supporting the industry’s continued economic growth.
NMMA will continue to work alongside policymakers to address supply chain challenges facing the marine industry. For additional information or questions, please contact Callie Hoyt, director of federal government relations, at [email protected]