S.2535

Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act allows passenger vessels not built in the U.S. to receive coastwise endorsement.

The Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act modifies the coastwise endorsement eligibility to include passenger vessels not built in the United States. This change allows such vessels to transport passengers between U.S. ports, either directly or via a foreign port, under the coastwise laws. The Act also includes a conforming amendment and a rule of construction to ensure the changes do not exempt these vessels from other applicable U.S. laws.