Freedom to Transport Act of 1998
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (15 Sep 1998): Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-1044.
What this bill does
The Freedom to Transport Act of 1998, introduced in the Senate, would amend existing U.S. shipping laws. Specifically, it aims to allow certain foreign-built vessels, if issued a certificate of documentation by the Secretary of Transportation, to transport specific types of cargo within the United States' coastwise trade. This would apply to vessels of at least 1,000 gross tons carrying forest products, bulk cargo including agricultural products, or livestock.
This bill affects companies involved in the domestic transport of these goods and potentially the owners and operators of foreign-built vessels seeking to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. The bill also includes provisions related to the transfer of such vessels to foreign registry.
As of its introduction, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The next step in the legislative process would be for the committee to consider the bill, which could involve hearings, amendments, and a vote on whether to advance it to the full Senate.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Freedom To Transport Act of 1998 - Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1929 and Federal shipping law to exempt from the prohibition against transportation of merchandise in the coastwise trade in any vessel other than one built and documented under U.S. law certain foreign built vessels issued a certificate of documentation for the coastwise trade that are used to transport forest products, bulk cargo (including agricultural products carried in bulk), or livestock.
Timeline
15 Sep 1998
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-1044.
Common questions
- What does S. 2390 do?
- The Freedom to Transport Act of 1998, introduced in the Senate, would amend existing U.S. shipping laws. Specifically, it aims to allow certain foreign-built vessels, if issued a certificate of documentation by the Secretary of Transportation, to transport specific types of cargo within the United States' coastwise trade. This would apply to vessels of at least 1,000 gross tons carrying forest products, bulk cargo including agricultural products, or livestock. This bill affects companies involved in the domestic transport of these goods and potentially the owners and operators of foreign-built vessels seeking to operate in U.S. coastwise trade. The bill also includes provisions related to the transfer of such vessels to foreign registry. As of its introduction, the bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The next step in the legislative process would be for the committee to consider the bill, which could involve hearings, amendments, and a vote on whether to advance it to the full Senate.
- Has S. 2390 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 2390. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 2390?
- S. 2390 was sponsored by Sen. Brownback, Sam [R-KS] (R-KS), with 5 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 2390?
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 105-1044. (15 Sep 1998).
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