Ocean Shipping Laws Revamped for the First Time in 20 Years

Photo Courtesy of the United States Government
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Last week, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA) and his Democratic and Republican colleagues including Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Mike Ezell (R-MS) and Salud Carbajal (D-CA) introduced legislation to reauthorize the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the independent federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system.
Garamendi is a leader in ocean shipping legislation and helped spearheaded the most significant update to ocean shipping laws for the first time in more than two decades.
“America’s economy depends on a reliable and efficient shipping and freight system,” said Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), senior member of the U.S. House Armed Services Committtee. “That’s why I’m proud to lead the Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act, which will ensure continued funding for the Commission, strengthen our maritime infrastructure and build upon my previous work on the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. I’m grateful to Representative Johnson for partnering with me on this critical legislation.”
“Ocean shipping is a critical aspect of America’s national, food and economic security,” said Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD). “That’s why our Federal Maritime Commission must be equipped with the proper tools to keep the industry operating above bar. Ocean shipping is integral to our economy, from farmers to phones, critical minerals to cars. I’m proud to lead this legislation with Rep. Garamendi to ensure our ocean transportation system is working to the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers and consumers.”
“Ensuring the strength, security and transparency of our maritime supply chain is not just an economic issue, it’s a matter of national interest,” said Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS), chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. “The Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025 gives the Commission the tools and oversight needed to hold bad actors accountable and protect American shippers. As chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to modernize and empower the FMC for the years ahead.”
“American businesses need access to a robust maritime supply chain to stay competitive,” said Rep. Salud O. Carbajal (D-CA), ranking member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. “This bipartisan bill ensures the Federal Maritime Commission remains a strong, independent watchdog and gives American exporters and importers a fairer, more efficient playing field in the global marketplace.”
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