Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act

This bill, the Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act, would change the rules for which passenger vessels can receive a coastwise endorsement — the authorization to operate passenger service between U.S. ports under the coastwise laws (often associated with the Jones Act). Specifically, it would permit passenger vessels that were not built in the United States to obtain such endorsement if they transport passengers between U.S. ports (including itineraries that pass through a foreign port). The bill also repeals a related provision (section 12121) and includes a note that this change does not automatically exempt a vessel from other applicable U.S. laws. In short, the bill shifts eligibility away from a strict U.S.-built requirement for passenger vessels by allowing foreign-built ships to operate coastwise passenger service under certain conditions, while preserving other regulatory obligations.