Protecting Access to American Products Act

S. 4090 would modify the Jones Act, a 1920 maritime law requiring all goods transported between U.S. ports to be carried on U.S.-built, U.S.-owned vessels crewed primarily by U.S. citizens. The bill would create an expedited waiver process allowing federal agencies to temporarily exempt American-made products from these requirements when no Jones Act-compliant shipping carriers exist for those goods. Under the proposed legislation, agencies would have 60 days to approve or deny waiver requests, with approved waivers lasting at least 30 days and renewable in 15-day increments. Applicants would need to demonstrate that no qualifying vessel is available and show good faith efforts to locate one.

Proponents argue the current law prevents American businesses from efficiently transporting domestic products, forcing some regions to import goods from foreign sources instead. Examples cited include states importing liquefied natural gas from Russia rather than from U.S. producers, and Hawaii ranchers flying cattle to California by plane instead of shipping by sea. The bill would potentially reduce shipping costs and allow American manufacturers better access to domestic markets. However, the legislation remains in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.