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ARTICLE · 27 JULY 2026

House Passes Historic NDAA Maritime Amendments

K&L Gates
K&L Gates
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The House has passed sweeping maritime amendments to the FY27 NDAA that would fundamentally restructure federal maritime law, introducing new cargo preference requirements, establishing a Maritime Security Trust Fund, and creating the first mandatory US-flag participation regime for commercial containerized cargo. These provisions represent the most comprehensive overhaul of maritime policy in decades, affecting everything from shipbuilding finance and vessel security to workforce development and Coast Guar

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Mark Ruge
Mark Ruge
Darrell L. Conner
Darrell L. Conner
James A. Sartucci
James A. Sartucci
Alexis T. Gutierrez
Alexis T. Gutierrez
Brody Garland
Brody Garland
Liam J. Row
Liam J. Row

On 22 July 2026, the House passed the FY27 NDAA (H.R. 8800) by a vote of 216–212, sending the legislation to the Senate. Notably, the House adopted two maritime amendments that together represent the most significant overhaul of federal maritime law in decades, with provisions affecting cargo preference, shipbuilding finance, maritime governance, vessel and cargo security, workforce development, and Coast Guard procurement.

The Rep. Trent Kelly Amendment: Rewriting “SHIPS for America”

Led by House Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee Chair Trent Kelly (R-MS), the “Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2026” encompasses roughly 100 sections across seven subtitles, in a sweeping effort that will reshape the industry.

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