H.R. 4183: Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025

This bill, known as the Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025, aims to provide financial support and set guidelines for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) in the upcoming fiscal years from 2026 to 2029. Here are the primary objectives and provisions of the bill:

Authorization of Appropriations

The bill authorizes specific funding levels for the FMC for fiscal years 2026 through 2029, increasing the allocation incrementally. The proposed funding is as follows:

• $49.2 million for fiscal year 2026
• $51.66 million for fiscal year 2027
• $54.24 million for fiscal year 2028
• $57.02 million for fiscal year 2029

Purpose Updates

The bill modifies the FMC's stated purposes to emphasize the need for supporting the common carriage of goods in foreign commerce, rather than limiting it to ocean commerce. This change aims to broaden the FMC's focus on international shipping practices.

Definitions and Scope

Several definitions are revised to clarify the terms used in maritime law. One significant amendment specifies criteria for identifying ocean carriers that are owned or controlled by corporations from countries classified as nonmarket economies.

Shipping Exchanges and Complaints

The bill enhances the FMC's ability to investigate complaints against shipping exchanges. Provisions include:

• The FMC's responsibility to investigate allegations of market manipulation and anticompetitive actions by these exchanges.
• A requirement for the FMC to report findings of such investigations to relevant Congressional committees.

Data Collection and Reporting

New data collection requirements are outlined to ensure the FMC can gather relevant statistics to assist in its regulatory functions. The bill limits duplications in data reporting to avoid unnecessary burdens on shippers and related parties, promoting efficiency in information gathering.

National Advisory Committees

The bill establishes or modifies the functions and structures of several national advisory committees that will provide advice to the FMC. These committees include:

• National Shipper Advisory Committee
• National Port Advisory Committee
• National Ocean Carrier Advisory Committee

Each committee will consist of members with specific expertise and will advise the FMC on policies that influence the competitiveness and reliability of ocean freight systems.

Annual Reports and Disclosures

The FMC will be required to submit annual reports that include analyses of trade practices and foreign laws affecting maritime commerce. These reports will shed light on any trade imbalances arising from the practices of ocean carriers and will follow up on past audits conducted by the Commission.

Containerized Freight Indexes

The FMC is tasked with developing price indexes for containerized ocean freight. This process involves creating proposed rules and finalizing them within specified timeframes to ensure transparency in shipping costs.

Technical Amendments

Various technical and clerical amendments are included throughout the bill to ensure consistency with existing maritime laws and to clarify the responsibilities and powers of the FMC.

Repeals

The bill includes provisions to repeal certain outdated sections of existing law that are no longer applicable or necessary.

Data and Information Protection

There are confidentiality measures included to protect information gathered by the FMC during investigations, ensuring it can only be disclosed under specific conditions.

Relevant Companies

• CSX Corporation (CSX) - A major player in freight transportation, which may be impacted by changing regulations in shipping practices.
• United Parcel Service (UPS) - As a global logistics and package delivery company, UPS could see operational impacts depending on how shipping guidelines are implemented.
• J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. (JBHT) - This trucking and transportation services company is likely to be affected by changes in freight cost regulations and data transparency.