House · HR 2035 · 119th Congress
American Cargo for American Ships Act
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Summary
This bill requires that goods bought or paid for by the Department of Transportation be shipped on American-owned commercial vessels. Current law only requires that at least 50 percent of such cargo use American ships. This change affects the Department of Transportation and anyone who receives DOT funding to move goods by sea.
In Favor
American shipping companies struggle to compete for federal cargo contracts. Requiring DOT-funded cargo to travel on American ships supports U.S. maritime jobs and keeps domestic shipping capacity strong. A stronger American fleet also improves national security by reducing reliance on foreign ships.
Against
Requiring 100 percent use of American ships removes flexibility when those ships are scarce or costly. DOT or its partners may pay higher prices if American vessels are limited in certain routes or cargo types. Those extra costs could reduce what federal transportation dollars actually accomplish.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
The bill requires that goods bought or paid for by the Department of Transportation be shipped on privately owned U.S. commercial vessels when those vessels are available at fair and reasonable rates.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The bill's provisions stay tied to its core purpose of directing DOT cargo onto U.S. commercial ships.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
U.S. commercial shipping companies and their workers may carry more cargo under this rule. DOT and organizations that receive DOT funding take on new duties to follow the shipping requirement.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill does not authorize or appropriate a specific dollar amount. It shifts a compliance duty onto DOT and recipients of DOT funding, requiring them to arrange shipments on U.S. vessels, which may affect the cost of those contracts.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
The bill requires 100 percent use of U.S. vessels, compared to the current 50 percent floor for most agencies. This higher share may be hard to meet if enough U.S. vessels are not available at fair and reasonable rates in all geographic areas.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 6/5/2026