H. R. 5009—531 
Subtitle C—Reports 
Sec. 3521. Independent study and report on Shanghai Shipping Exchange. 
Sec. 3522. Study on transportation of personal protective equipment. 
Subtitle D—Other Matters 
Sec. 3531. Extension of certain provisions relating to Tanker Security Fleet pro-
gram. 
Sec. 3532. Requirements for purchasing federally auctioned vessels. 
Sec. 3533. Recapitalization of National Defense Reserve Fleet. 
Sec. 3534. Armed Forces merchant mariner officer expedited preparation program. 
Sec. 3535. Technical clarifications. 
Sec. 3536. Buy America requirements for shipyard modernization and improvement 
program. 
Sec. 3537. Nomination of Merchant Marine cadets in event of death, resignation, 
or expulsion from office of Member of Congress otherwise authorized to 
nominate. 
Sec. 3538. Amended license applications for certain deepwater ports for natural 
gas. 
Subtitle A—Maritime Administration 
SEC. 3501. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS FOR MARITIME 
ADMINISTRATION. 
There are authorized to be appropriated to the Department 
of Transportation for fiscal year 2025, for programs associated 
with maintaining the United States Merchant Marine, the following 
amounts: 
(1) For expenses necessary to support the United States 
Merchant Marine Academy, $194,000,000, of which— 
(A) $108,000,000 shall be for Academy operations; 
(B) $64,000,000 shall be for United States Merchant 
Marine Academy capital improvement projects; 
(C) $22,000,000 shall be for facilities maintenance and 
repair and equipment; and 
(D) $3,000,000 shall be for training, staffing, retention, 
recruiting, and contract management for United States 
Merchant Marine Academy capital improvement projects. 
(2) For expenses necessary to support the State maritime 
academies, $64,900,000, of which— 
(A) $4,800,000 shall be for the Student Incentive Pay-
ment Program; 
(B) $6,000,000 shall be for direct payments for State 
maritime academies; 
(C) $17,600,000 shall be for training ship fuel assist-
ance; 
(D) $6,000,000 shall be for offsetting the costs of 
training ship sharing; and 
(E) $30,500,000 shall be for maintenance and repair 
of State maritime academy training vessels. 
(3) For expenses necessary to support the National Security 
Multi-Mission Vessel program, including funds for construction 
and necessary expenses to construct shoreside infrastructure 
to support such vessels, $75,000,000. 
(4) For expenses necessary to support Maritime Adminis-
tration operations and programs, $110,000,000, of which— 
(A) $15,000,000 shall be for the maritime environ-
mental and technical assistance program under section 
50307 of title 46, United States Code;
H. R. 5009—532 
(B) $15,000,000 shall be for the United States marine 
highways program, including to make grants authorized 
under section 55601 of title 46, United States Code; and 
(C) $78,000,000 shall be for headquarters operations 
expenses. 
(5) For expenses necessary for the disposal of obsolete 
vessels in the National Defense Reserve Fleet of the Maritime 
Administration, $6,000,000. 
(6) For expenses necessary to maintain and preserve a 
United States flag merchant marine to serve the national secu-
rity needs of the United States under chapter 531 of title 
46, United States Code, $390,000,000. 
(7) For expenses necessary for the loan guarantee program 
under chapter 537 of title 46, United States Code, $33,700,000, 
of which— 
(A) $30,000,000 may be used for the cost (as such 
term is defined in section 502(5) of the Federal Credit 
Reform Act of 1990 (2 U.S.C. 661a(5)) of loan guarantees 
under the program; and 
(B) $3,700,000 may be used for administrative expenses 
relating to loan guarantee commitments under such pro-
gram. 
(8) For expenses necessary to provide assistance to small 
shipyards and for maritime training programs authorized under 
section 54101 of title 46, United States Code, $35,000,000. 
(9) For expenses necessary to implement the port infra-
structure development program, as authorized under section 
54301 of title 46, United States Code, $500,000,000, to remain 
available until expended, except that no such funds authorized 
under this title for this program may be used to provide a 
grant to purchase fully automated cargo handling equipment 
that is remotely operated or remotely monitored with or without 
the exercise of human intervention or control, if the Secretary 
of Transportation determines such equipment would result in 
a net loss of jobs within a port or port terminal. If such 
a determination is made, the data and analysis for such deter-
mination shall be reported to the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee 
on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Rep-
resentatives not later than 3 days after the date of the deter-
mination. 
SEC. 3502. REAUTHORIZATION OF MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM. 
(a) AWARD OF OPERATING AGREEMENTS.—Section 53103 of title 
46, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘2035’’ each place 
it appears and inserting ‘‘2040’’. 
(b) EFFECTIVENESS
OF
OPERATING
AGREEMENTS.—Section 
53104(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 
‘‘2035’’ and inserting ‘‘2040’’. 
(c) ANNUAL PAYMENTS.—Section 53106(a)(1) of title 46, United 
States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘2024, and 2025’’ and 
inserting ‘‘, and 2024’’; 
(2) by redesignating subparagraphs (D) through (F) as sub-
paragraphs (E) through (G), respectively; 
(3) by inserting after subparagraph (C) the following new 
subparagraph (D):
H. R. 5009—533 
‘‘(D) $6,500,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026;’’; 
(4) in subparagraph (E), as so redesignated— 
(A) by striking ‘‘$5,800,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$6,675,500’’; 
and 
(B) by striking ‘‘2026, 2027,’’ and inserting ‘‘2027’’; 
(5) in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated— 
(A) by striking ‘‘$6,300,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$6,855,000’’; 
and 
(B) by striking ‘‘, 2030, and 2031; and’’ and inserting 
‘‘and 2030;’’; 
(6) in subparagraph (G), as so redesignated— 
(A) by striking ‘‘$6,800,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$7,040,000’’; 
(B) by inserting ‘‘2031 and’’ before ‘‘2032’’; and 
(C) by striking ‘‘, 2033, 2034, and 2035.’’ and inserting 
a semicolon; and 
(7) by adding at the end the following new subparagraphs: 
‘‘(H) $7,230,000 for each of fiscal years 2033 and 2034; 
‘‘(I) $7,426,000 for each of fiscal years 2035 and 2036; 
‘‘(J) $7,626,000 for each of fiscal years 2037 and 2038; 
and 
‘‘(K) $7,832,000 for each of fiscal years 2039 and 2040.’’. 
(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Section 53111 of title 
46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (3), by striking ‘‘2024, and 2025’’ and 
inserting ‘‘and 2024’’; 
(2) by redesignating paragraphs (4) through (6) as para-
graphs (5) through (7), respectively; 
(3) by inserting after paragraph (3) the following new para-
graph (4): 
‘‘(4) $390,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026;’’; 
(4) in paragraph (5), as so redesignated— 
(A) 
by 
striking 
‘‘$348,000,000’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘$400,500,000’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘2026, 2027,’’ and inserting ‘‘2027’’; 
(5) in paragraph (6), as so redesignated— 
(A) 
by 
striking 
‘‘$378,000,000’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘$411,300,000’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘, 2030, and 2031; and’’ and inserting 
‘‘and 2030;’’; 
(6) in paragraph (7), as so redesignated— 
(A) 
by 
striking 
‘‘$408,000,000’’ 
and 
inserting 
‘‘$422,400,000’’; and 
(B) by striking ‘‘2032, 2033, 2034, and 2035’’ and 
inserting ‘‘2031 and 2032’’; and 
(7) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs: 
‘‘(8) $433,800,000 for each of fiscal years 2033 and 2034; 
‘‘(9) $445,560,000 for each of fiscal years 2035 and 2036; 
‘‘(10) $457,560,000 for each of fiscal years 2037 and 2038; 
and 
‘‘(11) $469,920,000 for each of fiscal years 2039 and 2040.’’. 
Subtitle B—Maritime Infrastructure 
SEC. 3511. PORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM. 
(a) PORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT GRANTS.—
H. R. 5009—534 
(1) IN GENERAL.—In making port infrastructure develop-
ment grants under section 54301 of title 46, United States 
Code, for fiscal year 2025 using funds appropriated after the 
date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transpor-
tation shall treat a project described in paragraph (2) as— 
(A) having met the requirements of paragraphs (1) 
and (6)(A)(i) of section 54301(a) of such title; and 
(B) an eligible project under paragraph (3) of such 
section. 
(2) PROJECT DESCRIBED.—A project described in this para-
graph is a project to provide shore power at a port that serv-
ices— 
(A) passenger vessels described in section 3507(k) of 
title 46, United States Code; and 
(B) vessels that move goods or freight. 
(3) 
MODIFICATION
TO
PORT
DEFINITION.—Section 
54301(a)(12)(A)(ii) of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
by striking ‘‘inland waters’’ and inserting ‘‘inland waters 
(including the Great Lakes)’’. 
(b) CONSISTENCY.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 505 of subtitle V of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the 
following: 
‘‘§ 50505. Consistent approval of existing categorical exclu-
sions 
‘‘In accordance with section 139 of title 23, the Maritime 
Administrator may approve any action qualifying as a categorical 
exclusion applicable to the Federal Highway Administration, the 
Federal Transit Administration, or the Federal Railroad Adminis-
tration when the applicable requirements of that categorical exclu-
sion have been met that are in compliance with the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.), and 
any other applicable law. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted 
to limit any existing authority of the Maritime Administration 
to approve, promulgate, or publish categorical exclusions consistent 
with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
4321 et seq.) or any other applicable law.’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the 
beginning of chapter 505 of such title is amended by inserting 
after the item relating to section 50504 the following new 
item: 
‘‘50505. Consistent approval of existing categorical exclusions.’’. 
(c) ESTABLISHING APPLICABLE CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.— 
(1) IN
GENERAL.—Not later than 1 year after the date 
of enactment of this section, the Maritime Administrator shall 
issue a notice in the Federal Register including the categorical 
exclusions in use as of the date of enactment of this section 
by the Maritime Administration for actions or projects the 
Maritime Administration oversees. The Maritime Administrator 
may subsequently update such categorical exclusions. Nothing 
in this section shall be interpreted to limit any existing 
authority of the Maritime Administration to approve, promul-
gate, or publish categorical exclusions consistent with the 
National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 
et seq.) or any other applicable law.
H. R. 5009—535 
(2) SURVEY AND PROPOSED RULEMAKING.—Not later than 
1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Maritime 
Administrator shall— 
(A) survey the use of categorical exclusions by the 
Maritime Administration with respect to projects initiated 
during or after 2015; 
(B) publish on a public website the results of that 
survey, which shall include a description of the types of 
actions categorically excluded and any additional categor-
ical exclusions that were legally available to the Maritime 
Administrator from other operating administrations and 
the Department of the Army but were or were not adopted; 
and 
(C) publish a notice of proposed rulemaking to propose 
new Maritime Administration categorical exclusions for 
projects and a process by which the Maritime Administra-
tion will update the list of categorical exclusions to reflect 
lessons learned in grant administration and project 
construction. 
(3) DEFINITIONS.—In this subsection: 
(A) CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS.—The term ‘‘categorical 
exclusion’’ has the meaning given the term in section 111 
of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 
4336e). 
(B) PROJECT.—The term ‘‘project’’ means an eligible 
project as described in section 54301(a)(3) of title 46, United 
States Code. 
(d) APPLICATION TIMELINES.—Section 54301(a)(5) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(C) DELAYED NOTICE OF FUNDING OPPORTUNITY.—If 
the Secretary amends a published solicitation for grant 
applications such that an applicant would need the 
information contained in the amendment to draft an 
application, other than an amendment of the amount of 
grant funding available, the Secretary shall extend the 
application deadline by the number of days between the 
initial solicitation and the amendment.’’. 
(e) PROJECT BUDGET REVIEWS.—Section 54301(a)(9) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subparagraph (B) by striking ‘‘and’’ at the end; 
(2) in subparagraph (C) by striking the period at the end 
and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and 
(3) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(D) grant contracts are approved efficiently by the 
Secretary, minimizing delays for minor adjustments to 
project scopes and budgets, including due to inflationary 
effects on projects.’’. 
(f) APPLICATION PROCESS.—Section 54301(a)(5)(A) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended— 
(1) by striking ‘‘To be eligible’’ and inserting the following: 
‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—To be eligible’’; and 
(2) by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(ii) ENSURING
CYBERSECURITY.—If a covered 
applicant for a grant under this subsection is applying 
to use the grant to acquire digital infrastructure or 
a software component, such applicant shall—
H. R. 5009—536 
‘‘(I) certify the facility for which a covered 
applicant is applying for a grant has an approved 
facility security plan pursuant to section 70103(c) 
of this title that addresses the cybersecurity risks 
of such digital infrastructure or software compo-
nent; or 
‘‘(II) if the approved facility security plan of 
a facility for which a covered applicant is applying 
for a grant does not address such cybersecurity 
risks, provide a brief description in the application 
of how such applicant will address the cybersecu-
rity risks of such digital infrastructure or software 
component. 
‘‘(iii) UPDATE OF FACILITY SECURITY PLAN.—If the 
approved facility security plan required under section 
70103(c) of this title of a facility for which a covered 
applicant is applying for a grant under this subsection 
does not address the cybersecurity risks of digital infra-
structure or a software component to be acquired by 
such grant and such applicant provides a brief descrip-
tion to address such cybersecurity risks under clause 
(ii)(II), the covered applicant shall ensure that such 
security plan is updated to address the cybersecurity 
risks described in clause (ii)(II) in the next update 
required under paragraph (3)(G) of such section. 
‘‘(iv) COVERED APPLICANT DEFINED.—In this para-
graph, the term ‘covered applicant’ means an applicant 
under this subsection that is not otherwise eligible 
under subsection (b).’’. 
(g) STAFFING AND GRANT TIMELINES.—Not later than 365 days 
after the date of the enactment of this section, and for each of 
the next 5 years thereafter, the Secretary of Transportation shall 
submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastruc-
ture of the House of Representatives a report on the average length 
of grant obligation timelines for the Port Infrastructure Develop-
ment Program under section 54301 of title 46, United States Code, 
and the nature of any staffing shortages relevant to administering 
such program. 
SEC. 3512. ASSESSMENT OF UNITED STATES SEALIFT CAPABILITY. 
(a) ASSESSMENT OF SEALIFT CAPABILITY.—Not later than March 
1, 2026, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the 
Secretary of the Department in which the Coast Guard is operating 
when not operating as a service in the Navy, the Secretary of 
Commerce, and the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appro-
priate congressional committees a report that includes each of the 
following: 
(1) An assessment of the readiness and sufficiency of the 
United States maritime infrastructure, shipping industry, and 
shipbuilding industry, and United States-flagged, owned, and 
operated fleets to meet strategic sealift requirements during 
peace, crisis, and war and operate in a contested environment. 
(2) An assessment of ocean-going trade opportunities and 
challenges with respect to the economy of the United States.
H. R. 5009—537 
(3) An assessment of critical infrastructure in the United 
States maritime transportation system, including ports, ship-
yards, repair yards, inland waterways, and the domestic fleet, 
and foreign investment in maritime infrastructure. 
(4) An evaluation of foreign investment, ownership, and 
control in maritime infrastructure, including ports, terminals, 
and other related infrastructure. 
(5) Recommendations for— 
(A) improving the critical shipbuilding infrastructure, 
workforce recruitment, development, and retention, and 
critical supply chains of the United States, including for 
critical repair parts; and 
(B) addressing any risks identified in paragraphs (1) 
through (4) as necessary to protect and strengthen the 
United States maritime transportation system. 
(b) ASSESSMENT
OF ARRANGEMENTS
AND AGREEMENTS WITH 
TREATY ALLIES.—Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of 
Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of State and 
the Secretary of Defense, shall submit to the appropriate congres-
sional committees a report that includes each of the following: 
(1) An assessment of existing arrangements and agree-
ments with treaty allies for access to the global maritime 
transportation infrastructure such as ports, harbors, and water-
ways. 
(2) An assessment of existing assurances, arrangements, 
and agreements with treaty allies to augment United States 
sealift capabilities and meet sealift requirements during peace, 
crisis, and war. 
(3) Recommendations for updating such arrangements and 
agreements to reflect the global security environment. 
(c) REPORT
ON
POTENTIAL
PUBLIC-PRIVATE
PARTNERSHIP 
OPPORTUNITIES.—Not later than March 1, 2026, the Secretary of 
Transportation shall submit to the appropriate congressional 
committees a report on requirements to maintain, improve, or grow 
the Maritime Security Program, Tanker Security Program, and 
the Ready Reserve Force over the decade following the date of 
the enactment of this Act. 
(d) 
ALTERNATE
STRATEGIC
SEAPORTS
ASSESSMENT
AND 
REPORT.— 
(1) ASSESSMENT.—The Commander of the United States 
Transportation Command, in coordination with the Adminis-
trator of the Maritime Administration, shall conduct an assess-
ment to identify— 
(A) any additional operational criteria or infrastructure 
enhancements necessary to ensure that alternate seaport 
facilities meet strategic seaport facility standards; and 
(B) any infrastructure enhancements to strategic sea-
port facilities to ensure such facilities continue to meet 
readiness requirements. 
(2) CONTENTS.—In conducting the assessment under para-
graph (1), the Administrator shall— 
(A) identify any shoreside improvements at alternate 
seaport facilities that are necessary for such facilities to 
meet strategic seaport facility standards; 
(B) identify any shoreside and in-water improvements 
at strategic seaport facilities that are necessary for such
H. R. 5009—538 
facilities to continue to meet strategic seaport facility stand-
ards, including with respect to the continued efficient move-
ment of cargo; and 
(C) provide recommendations and a plan for the 
implementation of the improvements identified under sub-
paragraphs (A) and (B) to ensure that alternate seaport 
facilities are fully prepared for use as strategic seaport 
facilities if required. 
(3) REPORT.—Not later than one year after the date of 
the enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to 
the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on 
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representa-
tives and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee 
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a 
report on the assessment required under paragraph (1). 
(e) FORM OF REPORTS.—The reports required under subsections 
(a) and (b) may be submitted in a classified format. 
(f) DEFINITIONS.—In this section: 
(1) The term ‘‘appropriate congressional committees’’ 
means— 
(A) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee 
on Appropriations, and the Committee on Commerce, 
Science, and Transportation of the Senate; and 
(B) the Committee on Armed Services, the Committee 
on Appropriations, and the Committee on Transportation 
and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives. 
(2) The term ‘‘treaty allies’’ means nations with whom 
the United States has entered into mutual defense treaties. 
Subtitle C—Reports 
SEC. 3521. INDEPENDENT STUDY AND REPORT ON SHANGHAI SHIP-
PING EXCHANGE. 
(a) STUDY.—Not later than one year after the date of the 
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Transportation shall enter 
into an agreement with an appropriate independent entity to con-
duct a study and assessment of the business practices of the 
Shanghai Shipping Exchange, including— 
(1) 
any 
anticompetitive 
advantages 
benefitting 
the 
Shanghai Shipping Exchange; and 
(2) the ability of the Ministry of Transport of the People’s 
Republic of China and the Shanghai Shipping Exchange to 
manipulate container freight markets through the Shanghai 
Shipping Exchange. 
(b) ELEMENTS.—In conducting the study and assessment under 
subsection (a), the appropriate independent entity that enters into 
an agreement under subsection (a) shall address the following: 
(1) The influence of the government of the People’s Republic 
of China on the Shanghai Shipping Exchange. 
(2) The effect of the business practices or influence of 
the Shanghai Shipping Exchange on United States consumers 
and businesses. 
(3) Any other matters the Secretary or the appropriate 
independent entity that enters into an agreement under sub-
section (a) determines to be appropriate for the purposes of 
the study.
H. R. 5009—539 
(c) REPORT.— 
(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year after the date 
on which the Secretary enters into an agreement under this 
section, the appropriate independent entity shall submit to 
the Secretary, the congressional defense committees, the Com-
mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Com-
mittee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives, 
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation 
and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report 
containing the results of the study conducted under subsection 
(a). 
(2) PUBLIC AVAILABILITY.—The Secretary shall publish the 
report required under paragraph (1) on a publicly accessible 
website of the Department of Transportation. 
(d) APPROPRIATE INDEPENDENT ENTITY DEFINED.—In this sec-
tion, the term ‘‘appropriate independent entity’’ means— 
(1) a federally funded research and development center 
sponsored by a Federal agency; 
(2) the Government Accountability Office; or 
(3) an organization described in section 501(c) of the 
Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from taxation under 
section 501(a) of such Code. 
SEC. 3522. STUDY ON TRANSPORTATION OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE 
EQUIPMENT. 
(a) STUDY.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment 
of this section, the Comptroller General of the United States shall 
conduct a study on— 
(1) the extent to which the transportation of personal 
protective equipment for health care was expedited during the 
period beginning on January 1, 2020, and ending on December 
31, 2022, as a response to the COVID–19 pandemic; 
(2) how the transportation of such personal protective 
equipment was expedited during such period through vessels 
and ports onto trucks or rail; 
(3) how relevant stakeholders, such as vessel operators, 
ports, marine terminal operators, rail carriers, and motor car-
riers, interacted during such period to transport personal 
protective equipment; 
(4) what role the Department of Transportation and other 
relevant Federal agencies played to expedite the transportation 
of personal protective equipment during such period; 
(5) what authorities currently exist which allow for the 
expedited transportation of personal protective equipment by 
relevant Federal agencies that do not reduce or impact safety; 
(6) methodologies to improve the coordination among rel-
evant Federal agencies to expedite the transportation of per-
sonal protective equipment; and 
(7) the impact, if any, that any expedition of essential 
medical supplies had on the transportation of other goods. 
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this section, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Com-
mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate 
and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the 
House of Representatives a report containing the findings of the 
study conducted under subsection (a).
H. R. 5009—540 
Subtitle D—Other Matters 
SEC. 3531. EXTENSION OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS RELATING TO TANKER 
SECURITY FLEET PROGRAM. 
(a) OPERATING AGREEMENTS.—Section 53404(a) of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘2035’’ and inserting 
‘‘2040’’. 
(b) PAYMENTS.—Subsection (a) of section 53406 of title 46, 
United States Code, is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(a) ANNUAL PAYMENTS.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the availability of appropria-
tions and the other provisions of this section, the Secretary 
shall pay to a program participant for an operating agreement 
under this chapter, for each vessel that is covered by the 
operating agreement, an amount equal to— 
‘‘(A) $8,160,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026; 
‘‘(B) $8,380,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028; 
‘‘(C) $8,606,000 for each of fiscal years 2029 and 2030; 
‘‘(D) $8,839,000 for each of fiscal years 2031 and 2032; 
‘‘(E) $9,078,000 for each of fiscal years 2033 and 2034; 
‘‘(F) $9,323,000 for each of fiscal years 2035 and 2036; 
‘‘(G) $9,574,000 for each of fiscal years 2037 and 2038; 
and 
‘‘(H) $9,833,000 for each of fiscal years 2039 and 2040. 
‘‘(2) TIMING.—The amount payable to a program participant 
under paragraph (1) for a fiscal year shall be paid in 12 equal 
monthly installments at the end of each month during that 
fiscal year. The amount payable for any fiscal year may not 
be reduced except as provided by this section or section 
51307(b).’’. 
(c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.—Section 53411 of such 
title is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘§ 53411. Authorization of appropriations 
‘‘There are authorized to be appropriated for payments under 
section 53406, amounts as follows, to remain available until 
expended: 
‘‘(1) $122,400,000 for each of fiscal years 2025 and 2026. 
‘‘(2) $167,600,000 for each of fiscal years 2027 and 2028. 
‘‘(3) $172,120,000 for each of fiscal years 2029 and 2030. 
‘‘(4) $176,780,000 for each of fiscal years 2031 and 2032. 
‘‘(5) $181,560,000 for each of fiscal years 2033 and 2034. 
‘‘(6) $186,460,000 for each of fiscal years 2035 and 2036. 
‘‘(7) $191,480,000 for each of fiscal years 2037 and 2038. 
‘‘(8) $196,660,000 for each of fiscal years 2039 and 2040.’’. 
SEC. 3532. REQUIREMENTS FOR PURCHASING FEDERALLY AUCTIONED 
VESSELS. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 571 of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘§ 57112. Requirements for purchasing federally auctioned 
vessels 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—To be eligible to purchase a covered vessel 
from the Federal Government, a person shall provide proof of— 
‘‘(1) liability insurance for the operator of such covered 
vessel;
H. R. 5009—541 
‘‘(2) financial resources sufficient to cover maintenance 
costs of such covered vessel; and 
‘‘(3) with respect to a covered vessel requiring documenta-
tion under chapter 121, an admiralty bond or stipulation. 
‘‘(b) COVERED VESSEL DEFINED.—In this section, the term ‘cov-
ered vessel’ means— 
‘‘(1) a government owned vessel disposed of in accordance 
with this part and section 548 of title 40; 
‘‘(2) a vessel seized or forfeited pursuant to any law, and 
auctioned by the Federal Government, including a vessel seized 
or forfeited pursuant to section 7301 or 7302 of the Internal 
Revenue Code of 1986; or 
‘‘(3) a fishing vessel seized or forfeited pursuant to section 
310 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and 
Management Act (16 U.S.C. 1860).’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 571 of 
title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end 
the following: 
‘‘57112. Requirements for purchasing federally auctioned vessels.’’. 
SEC. 3533. RECAPITALIZATION OF NATIONAL DEFENSE RESERVE 
FLEET. 
Section 3546 of the James M. Inhofe National Defense 
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (Public Law 117–263; 46 
U.S.C. 57100 note) is amended— 
(1) by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following 
new subsection (a): 
‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.— 
‘‘(1) VESSEL CONSTRUCTION.—Subject to the availability of 
appropriations, the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation 
with the Chief of Naval Operations and the Commandant of 
the Coast Guard, shall complete the design of a sealift vessel 
for the National Defense Reserve Fleet to allow for the construc-
tion of such vessel to begin in fiscal year 2025. 
‘‘(2) AGREEMENT WITH VESSEL CONSTRUCTION MANAGER.— 
Notwithstanding section 8679 of title 10, United States Code, 
and subject to the availability of appropriations made specifi-
cally available for reimbursements to the Ready Reserve Force, 
Maritime Administration account of the Department of 
Transportation for programs, projects, activities, and expenses 
related to the National Defense Reserve Fleet, the Secretary 
of the Transportation, in consultation with the Secretary of 
the Navy, shall seek to enter into an agreement with an appro-
priate vessel construction manager under which the vessel 
construction manager shall enter into a contract for the 
construction of not more than ten such vessels in accordance 
with this section.’’; and 
(2) in subsection (d), by striking ‘‘The Secretary of the 
Navy shall consult and coordinate with the Secretary of 
Transportation’’ and inserting ‘‘The Secretary of Transportation 
shall consult and coordinate with the Secretary of the Navy’’. 
SEC. 3534. ARMED FORCES MERCHANT MARINER OFFICER EXPEDITED 
PREPARATION PROGRAM. 
Section 51506 of title 46, United States Code, is amended—
H. R. 5009—542 
(1) in subsection (a)(2), by inserting before the semicolon 
the following: ‘‘, which shall include standards for a program 
described in subsection (c)’’; 
(2) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); and 
(3) by inserting after subsection (b) the following new sub-
section (c): 
‘‘(c) ARMED FORCES MERCHANT MARINER OFFICER EXPEDITED 
PREPARATION PROGRAM.— 
‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—A State maritime academy may offer 
a program under which an eligible individual may complete 
a merchant marine officer preparation program approved by 
the Secretary, and the requirements for the issuance of a license 
under section 7101 of this title, in less than 3 years, without 
a requirement to earn a baccalaureate or other degree from 
the State maritime academy. 
‘‘(2) ELIGIBLE
INDIVIDUALS.—For purposes of this sub-
section, an eligible individual is an individual— 
‘‘(A) who is— 
‘‘(i) a person who served in the Armed Forces, 
and who was discharged or released therefrom under 
honorable conditions; or 
‘‘(ii) a member of the National Guard or Reserves 
who has performed at least six years of service therein; 
and 
‘‘(B) who has earned a baccalaureate degree from an 
institution of higher education (as defined in section 102 
of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1002)).’’. 
SEC. 3535. TECHNICAL CLARIFICATIONS. 
(a) PORT INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.—Section 
54301(a) of title 46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in paragraph (6)— 
(A) in subparagraph (A)(ii) by striking ‘‘subparagraph 
(C)’’ and inserting ‘‘subparagraph (D)’’; 
(B) in subparagraph (B)(ii), by striking ‘‘subparagraph 
(C)’’ and inserting ‘‘subparagraph (D)’’; and 
(C) by redesignating the second subparagraph (C) as 
subparagraph (D); 
(2) in paragraph (10)— 
(A) in subparagraph (B)(i) by striking ‘‘ans’’ and 
inserting ‘‘and’’; and 
(B) by striking subparagraph (C) and redesignating 
subparagraph (D) as subparagraph (C); and 
(3) in paragraph (12)(E) by striking ‘‘and’’ before ‘‘commer-
cial port’’. 
(b) ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL SHIPYARDS.—Section 54101 of title 
46, United States Code, is amended by striking subsection (i). 
(c) NATIONAL DEFENSE RESERVE FLEET.—Section 57100 of title 
46, United States Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (b)(1) by striking ‘‘section 902 of the Mer-
chant Marine Act, 1936 (46 App. U.S.C. 1242)’’ and inserting 
‘‘chapter 563’’; and 
(2) in subsection (f)(2) by striking ‘‘the such use’’ and 
inserting ‘‘the use of such’’. 
(d) 
MARITIME
WORKFORCE
WORKING
GROUP.—Section 
3534(d)(1) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal
H. R. 5009—543 
Year 2024 (Public Law 118–31) is amended by striking ‘‘section 
3545(a)’’ and inserting ‘‘section 3542(a)’’. 
(e) ADMINISTRATION.—Section 15109 of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended— 
(1) in subsection (a)(2) by striking ‘‘15102,’’ and inserting 
‘‘15102’’; and 
(2) in subsection (k)(1) by inserting ‘‘or to which this chapter 
applies’’ after ‘‘under this chapter’’. 
(f) INVESTIGATIONS.—Section 41302(a) of title 46, United States 
Code, is amended by striking ‘‘conduct agreement’’ and inserting 
‘‘conduct, agreement’’. 
(g) AWARD OF REPARATIONS.—Section 41305(c) of title 46 is 
amended by striking ‘‘section subsection’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection’’. 
(h) 
NATIONAL
SHIPPER
ADVISORY
COMMITTEE.—Section 
42502(c)(3) of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—’’ and all that follows through ‘‘(A) Twelve 
members’’ and inserting the following: 
‘‘(3) REPRESENTATION.—Members of the Committee shall 
be appointed as follows: 
‘‘(A) Twelve members’’. 
(i) MONETARY
PENALTIES
OR
REFUNDS.—The analysis for 
chapter 411 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 
the item relating to section 41107 and inserting the following: 
‘‘41107. Monetary penalties or refunds.’’. 
(j) ANNUAL REPORT AND PUBLIC DISCLOSURE.— 
(1) CONFORMING
AMENDMENT.—The heading for section 
46106 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by inserting 
‘‘and public disclosure’’ after ‘‘report’’. 
(2) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The analysis for chapter 461 
of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking the 
item relating to section 46106 and inserting the following: 
‘‘46106. Annual report and public disclosure.’’. 
(k) DEEPWATER PORT ACT OF 1974.—The Deepwater Port Act 
of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.) is amended by repealing section 
25. 
(l) MARITIME ENVIRONMENTAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PRO-
GRAM.—Paragraph (2) of subsection (d) of section 50307 of title 
46 U.S. Code is amended to read as follows: 
‘‘(2) a public entity, including a Federal, State, regional, 
or local government entity, including a special district;’’. 
SEC. 3536. BUY AMERICA REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPYARD MODERNIZA-
TION AND IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM. 
Section 53733 of title 46, United States Code, is amended 
by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(f) BUY AMERICA.—Part I of subtitle A of title IX of division 
G of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117– 
58; 41 U.S.C. 8301 note) shall apply to any funds obligated by 
the Administrator under this section.’’. 
SEC. 3537. NOMINATION OF MERCHANT MARINE CADETS IN EVENT 
OF DEATH, RESIGNATION, OR EXPULSION FROM OFFICE 
OF MEMBER OF CONGRESS OTHERWISE AUTHORIZED TO 
NOMINATE. 
(a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 513 of title 46, United States Code, 
is amended by inserting after section 51302 the following new 
section:
H. R. 5009—544 
‘‘§ 51302a. Nomination in event of death, resignation, or 
expulsion from office of Senator otherwise 
authorized to nominate 
‘‘(a) SENATORS.—In the event a Senator does not submit 
nominations for cadets for an academic year in accordance with 
section 51302(b)(1) of this title due to death, resignation from office, 
or expulsion from office, and the date of the swearing-in of the 
Senator’s successor as Senator occurs after the date of the deadline 
for submittal of nominations for cadets for the academic year, 
the nominations for cadets otherwise authorized to be made by 
the Senator pursuant to such section shall be made instead by 
the other Senator from the State concerned. 
‘‘(b) CONSTRUCTION OF AUTHORITY.—Any nomination for cadets 
made by a Senator pursuant to this section is not a reallocation 
of a nomination. Such nominations are made in lieu of a Senator 
not submitting nominations for cadets for an academic year in 
accordance with section 51302 of this title due to death, resignation 
from office, or expulsion from office and the date of the swearing- 
in of the Senator’s successor occurs after the date of the deadline 
for submittal of nominations for cadets for the academic year.’’. 
(b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sections at the begin-
ning of chapter 513 of such title is amended by inserting after 
the item relating to section 51302 the following new item: 
‘‘51302a. Nomination in event of death, resignation, or expulsion from office of Sen-
ator otherwise authorized to nominate.’’. 
SEC. 3538. AMENDED LICENSE APPLICATIONS FOR CERTAIN DEEP-
WATER PORTS FOR NATURAL GAS. 
Section 5(i) of the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 
1504(i)) is amended by adding at the end the following: 
‘‘(5) DECISION ON AMENDED LICENSE APPLICATIONS.— 
‘‘(A) DEFINITION OF AMENDED LICENSE APPLICATION.— 
In this paragraph, the term ‘amended license application’ 
means a license application for a deepwater port for natural 
gas— 
‘‘(i) that was originally submitted to the Secretary 
prior to the issuance of the proclamation issued by 
the President on March 13, 2020, with respect to the 
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID–19) pandemic; and 
‘‘(ii) with respect to which the applicant, based 
on guidance offered by the Secretary, has made subse-
quent revisions since the submission of the initial 
license application and submitted such revised applica-
tion. 
‘‘(B) EXPEDITED REVIEW AND APPROVAL.—The Secretary 
shall expedite the review and subsequent approval or denial 
of amended license applications submitted pursuant to this 
section that meet the eligibility criteria described in 
subparagraph (C). 
‘‘(C) ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA.—To be eligible for review 
under this paragraph, an amended license application shall 
meet the following criteria: 
‘‘(i) The amended license application is for a nat-
ural gas deepwater port facility. 
‘‘(ii) The Secretary had determined that the project 
as specified in the initial license application was not 
likely to have any significant adverse environmental