Contact Congress about S. 2537: Open America's Ports Act

More cruise and ferry ships, including foreign-built ones, would be allowed to carry passengers between U.S. ports. Current federal rules that reserve these routes for U.S.-qualified vessels would be repealed. All other U.S. safety, environmental, and labor laws still apply.

Modern Action explains what the legislation does, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Open America's Ports Act is a Senate bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Latest action on S. 2537: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Who this affects: This bill would directly affect cruise lines, ferry operators, U.S. shipyards, American maritime workers, port cities, and travelers who use domestic sea routes. International cruise companies could gain new access to U.S. routes, while domestic operators and workers face new competition. Coastal communities and travelers could see more options and potentially lower prices, but the transition may come with economic disruption for some.

Why this matters: For over a century, federal rules have restricted which ships can carry passengers between U.S. ports. This bill would fundamentally change that by opening domestic passenger routes to foreign-built and foreign-operated vessels. The outcome could reshape the American cruise and ferry industry, affect thousands of maritime jobs, and change how travelers move between U.S. ports.

Key provisions in S. 2537

• Repeals 46 U.S.C. § 55103, the core PVSA statute, removing all domestic passenger-carriage restrictions it imposed.
• Declares that the vessel documentation requirements in 46 U.S.C. § 12103 do not apply to any vessel carrying passengers between U.S. coastwise ports, whether the route goes through a foreign port or not.
• Changes 46 U.S.C. § 12112 so passenger vessels on coastwise routes can qualify for operation without meeting some standard build and ownership conditions that apply to other vessels.
• Updates cross-references to the repealed PVSA section in 46 U.S.C. § 12121(b) and in the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023.
• Repeals 46 U.S.C. § 55104 and narrows 46 U.S.C. § 55121 so it covers only the Jones Act cargo provision (Section 55102), not passenger service.

How Modern Action helps you take action on S. 2537

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about S. 2537

What is S. 2537?

More cruise and ferry ships, including foreign-built ones, would be allowed to carry passengers between U.S. ports. Current federal rules that reserve these routes for U.S.-qualified vessels would be repealed. All other U.S. safety, environmental, and labor laws still apply.

How do I support or oppose S. 2537?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about S. 2537?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

How does Modern Action help me act on S. 2537?

Modern Action gives you bill-specific context, lets you choose support, opposition, or changes, and drafts a message from your position and reasons.