U.S. House Passes Johnson’s Bill to Strengthen Supply Chains and Counter China

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House unanimously passed the Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act of 2025, led by U.S. Representatives Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) and John Garamendi (D-CA). Johnson introduced this legislation in June to reauthorize the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), the independent federal agency responsible for regulating the U.S. international ocean transportation system. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passedthe bill in September.

The Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act strengthens the FMC’s authority to crack down on China’s shipping malpractice and includes Johnson’s provisions to reform ocean shipping, ensuring American imports and exports compete on a level playing field in the global market.

Click here  for Johnson’s remarks.

“Ocean shipping is the backbone of international trade, allowing American products to be sold in other countries while giving American businesses and consumers access to goods we don’t make. Even in America’s heartland, ocean shipping is an integral part of our economy,” said Johnson. “My bill will ensure the FMC can continue doing its job to protect American businesses, producers, and consumers from China’s abuse of America’s ocean shipping laws. Passing the House today is a big step in the right direction and I hope the Senate passes it soon.”

“America’s economy relies on a resilient maritime supply chain. That’s why I’m proud that Congress has passed the bipartisan Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization Act,”said Garamendi. “This legislation builds on my Ocean Shipping Reform Act to deliver critical investments through 2027, strengthen the Commission’s independence, and ensure U.S. businesses will compete on a fair and level playing field. I’m grateful to Reps. Johnson, Ezell, and Carbajal for their partnership on this critical work.”

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 2027.
• 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 Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee leadership, Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), and Ranking Member Salud O. Carbajal (D-CA).

Click here for bill text.