LegisTrack
Back to all bills
HRES 812119th CongressIn Committee

Condemning the United Nations and International Maritime Organization for proposing a global tax on shipping emissions, threatening United States sovereignty, trade, and economic interests.

Introduced: Oct 17, 2025
Sponsor: Rep. Biggs, Andy [R-AZ-5] (R-Arizona)
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This is a House Resolution (H. Res. 812) expressing formal condemnation of a proposed “Net-Zero Framework” by the United Nations and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that would impose a global tax or levy on shipping emissions. The resolution characterizes such a tax as an illegitimate attempt to impose international taxes, threatens United States sovereignty and economic interests, and urges the U.S. government to oppose the proposal and any related enforcement mechanisms. While the resolution signals strong congressional opposition and outlines diplomatic and policy steps, it does not itself create new law or directly impose penalties; rather, it serves as a non-binding statement of position and a call to action for U.S. policymakers and officials. The bill’s provisions focus on preserving U.S. sovereignty over taxation and trade, discouraging international bodies from taxing American interests, and encouraging reciprocal or protective measures if such global emissions taxes are pursued. It also directs specific officials to take or advocate for certain actions and reaffirms commitments to free enterprise, energy independence, and American jobs. The measure is introductory and is referred to committees for consideration of provisions within their jurisdiction.

Key Points

  • 1Condemns the proposed International Maritime Organization “Net-Zero Framework” and any global carbon tax on maritime shipping emissions as an illegitimate attempt to erode national sovereignty and harm American economic interests.
  • 2Opposes any move by international organizations to impose global taxes, tariffs, or levies on American companies, workers, or consumers.
  • 3Directs the President to instruct U.S. representatives at the IMO to vote against the global emissions tax proposal and to oppose related enforcement mechanisms.
  • 4Affirms that no American-flagged vessel or U.S. shipping company shall be taxed, fined, or penalized by any international body without explicit consent from Congress.
  • 5Urges reciprocal measures (such as tariffs or restrictions) against nations or entities that attempt to enforce or benefit from such a global tax on American commerce.
  • 6Reaffirms commitment to free enterprise, energy independence, and protecting American jobs and industries from unfair global regulation.
  • 7Requires the Clerk of the House to transmit copies of the resolution to the President, key cabinet secretaries (State, Energy, Transportation), the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, and the U.S. delegation to the IMO.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: U.S. shipping industry and American producers/exporters; U.S. consumers who could face higher costs if global shipping taxes were imposed.Secondary group/area affected: U.S. government and policymakers (including the Executive Branch and Congress) in foreign affairs, energy policy, and trade/tax policy; international organizations and foreign governments involved in IMO processes.Additional impacts: Signals a strong political stance that could influence diplomacy and negotiations at the IMO, affect legislative momentum for related trade and energy policies, and potentially provoke reciprocal or protective actions by other countries if such global measures advance in international forums. The resolution itself is non-binding and does not change current law, but it frames Congress’s position and can guide executive actions and debate.
Generated by gpt-5-nano on Oct 23, 2025