Johnson Continues Push to Strengthen Ocean Shipping Regulator FMC, Counter China

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) introduced legislation to reauthorize the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the independent federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system. 

Johnson is a leader in ocean shipping legislation and spearheaded the most significant update to ocean shipping laws for the first time in more than two decades.

“Ocean shipping is a critical aspect of America’s national, food, and economic security. That’s why our Federal Maritime Commission must be equipped with the proper tools to keep the industry operating above bar,” said Johnson. “Ocean shipping is integral to our economy, from farmers to phones, critical minerals to cars. I’m proud to lead this legislation with Rep. Garamendi to ensure our ocean transportation system is working to the benefit of U.S. exporters, importers, and consumers.”

“Ensuring the strength, security, and transparency of our maritime supply chain is not just an economic issue, it’s a matter of national interest. The Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025 gives the Commission the tools and oversight needed to hold bad actors accountable, and protect American shippers. As Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I’m proud to support this bipartisan effort to modernize and empower the FMC for the years ahead,” said Rep. Mike Ezell (R-MS), Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee.

“American businesses need access to a robust maritime supply chain to stay competitive,” said Rep. Salud O. Carbajal (D-CA), Ranking Member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. “This bipartisan bill ensures the Federal Maritime Commission remains a strong, independent watchdog and gives American exporters and importers a fairer, more efficient playing field in the global marketplace.”

“America’s economy depends on a reliable and efficient shipping and freight system,” said Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA). “That’s why I’m proud to lead the Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act, which will ensure continued funding for the Commission, strengthen our maritime infrastructure, and build upon my previous work on the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. I’m grateful to Representative Johnson for partnering with me on this critical legislation.”

The Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025 is:

Tough on China

• Establishes a formal process to report complaints against shipping exchanges, like the Shanghai Shipping Exchange, to the FMC for investigation.
• Directs the FMC to report on anticompetitive business practices or nonreciprocal trade practices.
• Codifies the definition of “controlled carrier” under the Shipping Act to encompass state-controlled enterprises in non-market economies like the People’s Republic of China.

Good Government  

• Updates and improves the purposes of the Shipping Act to better reflect current federal policy governing international ocean shipping.
• Prohibits the FMC from requiring ocean carriers to report information already reported to other federal agencies.

Sustains the FMC Mission 

• Reauthorizes the FMC through fiscal year 2029.
• Expands FMC Advisory Committees, ensuring non-government stakeholders have the opportunity to provide their insight and expertise to the Commission.
• Reinforces the FMC’s independent nature by requiring a majority vote of the Commission to disclose FMC investigation efforts to outside parties. 

The Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025 is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Mike Ezell (R-MS), John Garamendi (D-CA), Salud O. Carbajal (D-CA).

Click here for bill text.