H.R. 3151: SHIPS for America Act of 2025
Sponsor
Trent Kelly
Republican · MS-1
Bill Progress
Latest Action · May 1, 2025
Assigned to Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. for review
Why it matters
The bill responds to growing concern that the United States is too dependent on foreign ships and shipyards at a time of global tension and supply-chain risk.
Politically, the measure is notable because it has a large bipartisan cosponsor list and touches many committees, showing both broad interest and major complexity. But the bill text provided here is only partial and mostly a table of contents plus findings, so the exact impact will depend on the final legal details, funding levels, and whether Congress is willing to accept stronger shipping mandates and tax incentives that could raise costs for some importers and exporters in the short term.
What does H.R. 3151 do?
Creates a maritime security funding stream
The bill would establish a Maritime Security Trust Fund and revise tonnage taxes, aiming to create a dedicated source of support for U.S. maritime priorities.
Expands U.S. sealift and commercial fleet support
It would strengthen programs tied to strategic commercial shipping so the United States has more ships and mariners available for both trade and national defense needs.
Pushes more cargo onto American ships
The bill updates cargo preference rules and related enforcement so more government-linked cargo, and possibly some imports or exports, move on U.S.-flag vessels.
Offers shipbuilding and shipyard incentives
It includes grants, loan guarantees, tax credits, reserve fund changes, and other financial tools to help build vessels and modernize shipyards in the United States.
Invests in maritime workers and training
The bill supports mariners through loan forgiveness, education aid, recruitment programs, academy support, and easier credentialing and license renewal.
Targets regulatory and tax barriers
It seeks to streamline rules, create alternate standards in some cases, and amend the tax code to make U.S. vessel ownership, shipbuilding, and maritime investment more financially competitive.
Who benefits from H.R. 3151?
U.S. shipyards
They could gain more vessel orders, access to financing, tax incentives, and federal support for modernization and expansion.
U.S.-flag shipping companies
They could benefit from stronger cargo preference rules, new strategic fleet support, and tax changes that make operating under the U.S. flag more attractive.
Mariners and maritime students
They could get education benefits, loan forgiveness, easier credentialing, and more job opportunities if the U.S. fleet grows.
Ports and maritime communities
They could see more economic activity, infrastructure investment, and demand for skilled labor tied to shipping and ship repair.
Who is affected by H.R. 3151?
Importers and exporters
They may face new shipping requirements or higher transportation costs if more cargo must move on U.S.-flag vessels, which are often more expensive.
Foreign shipping lines
They could lose market share on cargo touched by U.S. government rules or new preferences for American vessels.
Federal agencies that ship cargo
They would likely have to follow stricter cargo preference, oversight, and reporting rules when arranging transportation.
Taxpayers
They could ultimately bear the cost of subsidies, tax credits, academy investments, and other federal incentives if those are funded at scale.
H.R. 3151 Common Questions
How much would the SHIPS for America Act tax foreign-linked cargo ships per ton?
Under the SHIPS for America Act of 2025, the tonnage tax penalty is $5 per ton for a foreign entity or registry of concern, $3.50 per ton in some shipyard-of-concern cases, and $1.25 per ton in certain repair cases (SEC. 201).
Does the SHIPS for America Act require 100% of U.S. government cargo to go on American ships?
Yes. Under the SHIPS for America Act of 2025, the U.S. government cargo preference rule rises from 50% to 100%, effective 180 days after enactment (SEC. 414).
How much of goods made in China would have to ship on U.S.-built and U.S.-crewed vessels?
According to H.R. 3151 Section 415, the requirement starts at 1% in year 5 and rises to 10% in year 14 for goods manufactured in China imported on U.S.-built, U.S.-crewed, U.S.-documented vessels.
What are the foreign ship repair duty increases in the SHIPS for America Act?
Under the SHIPS for America Act of 2025, repair duties increase to 70% generally and 200% if the work involves a foreign country of concern (SEC. 413).
How big can the Maritime Security Trust Fund get under the SHIPS for America Act?
According to H.R. 3151 Section 201, the Maritime Security Trust Fund balance may not exceed $20 billion, and funds are available for obligations incurred before October 1, 2035.
How many ships would the Strategic Commercial Fleet have to include under the SHIPS for America Act?
Under the SHIPS for America Act of 2025, the fleet must have at least 10 vessels within 2 years, at least 20 within 5 years, and can grow to no more than 250 vessels (SEC. 401).
Can ship investors get a 33% tax credit under the SHIPS for America Act?
Yes. Under the SHIPS for America Act of 2025, the United States Vessel Investment Credit is 33% for qualified vessels, plus 5% for U.S.-domiciled insurance and 2% for a U.S.-headquartered classification society (SEC. 701).
Does the SHIPS for America Act create a tax credit for shipyard upgrades?
Yes. According to H.R. 3151 Section 702, the bill creates a 25% Shipyard Investment Tax Credit for qualified shipyard facility investments.
How much money does the SHIPS for America Act provide for small shipyards?
Under the SHIPS for America Act of 2025, Small Shipyard Assistance is authorized at $100 million annually for fiscal years 2026 through 2035 (SEC. 502).
Can the president appoint a Maritime Security Advisor under the SHIPS for America Act?
Yes. Under the SHIPS for America Act of 2025, the President must appoint a Maritime Security Advisor within 60 days of enactment, and establish a Maritime Security Board within 90 days (SEC. 101).
Based on H.R. 3151 bill text
HR3151 Legislative Journey
House: Committee Action
May 1, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
About the Sponsor
Trent Kelly
Republican, Mississippi's 1st congressional district · 11 years in Congress
Committees: House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Agriculture, Armed Services
View full profile →
Cosponsors (126)
This bill has 126 cosponsors: 71 Democrats, 55 Republicans, reflecting bipartisan support. Cosponsors represent 40 states: Alabama, Arizona, California, and 37 more.
John Garamendi
Democrat · CA
Robert Wittman
Republican · VA
Donald Norcross
Democrat · NJ
Clay Higgins
Republican · LA
Ro Khanna
Democrat · CA
Sarah Elfreth
Democrat · MD
Scott DesJarlais
Republican · TN
Richard McCormick
Republican · GA
Raja Krishnamoorthi
Democrat · IL
John Rutherford
Republican · FL
Lance Gooden
Republican · TX
Nick LaLota
Republican · NY
Cosponsor Coverage Map
Committee Sponsors
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee
18 of 66 committee members cosponsored
Veterans' Affairs Committee
10 of 25 committee members cosponsored
Science, Space, and Technology Committee
10 of 39 committee members cosponsored
Natural Resources Committee
10 of 43 committee members cosponsored
Judiciary Committee
9 of 44 committee members cosponsored
Financial Services Committee
13 of 54 committee members cosponsored
Education and Workforce Committee
9 of 36 committee members cosponsored
Oversight and Government Reform Committee
13 of 46 committee members cosponsored
Foreign Affairs Committee
13 of 51 committee members cosponsored
Energy and Commerce Committee
9 of 54 committee members cosponsored
Ways and Means Committee
11 of 45 committee members cosponsored
Armed Services Committee
40 of 57 committee members cosponsored
143 Republicans across these committees haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
What laws does H.R. 3151 change?
7 changes
Sections Amended
Section 202(a) of Food for Peace Act (7 U.S.C. 1722(a))
striking ``Notwithstanding'' and inserting ``Subject to the requirements of sections 55305 and 55314 of title 46, United States Code, and notwithstanding''
Section 3 of Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717b)
adding at the end the following: ``(g) Transportation of Exports of Natural Gas on Vessels Documented Under Laws of the United States
Section 3(c) of Natural Gas Act (15 U.S.C. 717b(c))
striking ``or the exportation of natural gas'' and inserting ``or, subject to subsection (g), the exportation of natural gas''
Section 1703(b) of Energy Policy Act of 2005 (42 U.S.C. 16513(b))
inserting at the end the following: ``(14) Marine transportation systems, including commercial vessels of the United States, shipyards, marine terminals, and port facilities
Section 1356(b) of Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to qualifying shipping activities)
striking ``activities in operating'' and inserting ``the carriage of goods (as defined in section 1 of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (46 U
Section 4041(g) of Internal Revenue Code of 1986
adding at the end the following new sentence: ``For purposes of subsection (a)(2), the exemption under paragraph (1) shall also apply to fuel sold for use or used by a vessel which is both described in section 4042(c)(1) and actually engaged in trade between the Atlantic or Pacific ports of the United States (including any territory or possession of the United States)
Sections Repealed
3534(j) of National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (Public Law 118-31)
H.R. 3151 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Transportation and Infrastructure
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Transportation and Public Works
- Introduced
- May 1, 2025
Assigned to Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. for review
May 1, 2025
Official Sources
Official text of H.R. 3151, the SHIPS for America Act of 2025, as introduced in the 119th Congress
The existing Maritime Security Program that maintains a fleet of militarily useful U.S.-flag merchant ships; the bill creates a new Strategic Commercial Fleet alongside this program
Current federal loan guarantee program for shipbuilding that the bill amends in Section 503 to expand eligibility and financing terms
Current cargo preference rules requiring 50% of government cargo on U.S.-flag vessels; the bill raises this to 100% in Section 414
Existing program providing grants for equipment and training at small shipyards; the bill authorizes $100M annually through 2035 in Section 502
Independent federal agency regulating international ocean shipping; the bill requires a new FMC report on U.S. vessel competitiveness in Section 105
Federal service academy at Kings Point, NY that trains merchant marine officers; the bill authorizes infrastructure modernization funding in Sections 621-628
Coast Guard credentialing program the bill streamlines in Sections 631-636, including modernized licensing, easier renewals, and reactivation of expired credentials
Who is lobbying on H.R. 3151?
24 organizations lobbying on this bill
MARITIME INSTITUTE FOR RESEARCH AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT | 3 |
NEW AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL ALLIANCE | 3 |
STOLT TANKERS USA, INC. | 3 |
HANWHA AEROSPACE CO., LTD. | 3 |
AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICERS SERVICE (AMOS) | 3 |
AMERICAN MARITIME OFFICERS | 3 |
AMERICAN MARITIME PARTNERSHIP | 3 |
MATSON NAVIGATION | 3 |
SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF N.A. - AGLIW | 3 |
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR JUSTICE | 3 |
Showing 1-10 of 24 organizations
H.R. 3151 Bill Text
“To support the national defense and economic security of the United States by supporting vessels, ports, and shipyards of the United States and the U.S. maritime workforce.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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