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Main Subject: Transportation and Public Works

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 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;
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;
requires the Federal Maritime Commission (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;
requires ocean common carriers to adhere to minimum service standards that meet the public interest;
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;
requires ocean common carriers to report to the 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;
authorizes the FMC to initiate investigations of an ocean common carrier's fees or charges and apply enforcement measures, as appropriate; and
revises annual reporting requirements for the FMC on foreign laws and practices to include practices by ocean common carriers.

S3580-117, HR6865-117,

Senate Actions

IntroReferral
Dec. 09 2021	Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

House floor actions Actions

Floor

Dec. 08
2021

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
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)
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H7528-7529)
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.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4996.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H7472-7479)
Mr. Garamendi moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

IntroReferral
Aug. 10 2021	Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Library of Congress Actions

Floor
Dec. 08 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)

IntroReferral
Aug. 10 2021	Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E888) Introduced in House Introduced in House

House committee actions Actions

Committee
Aug. 11 2021	Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.

House bill HR4996-117

Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021

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