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United States · Law · HR

H.R. 6503 (95th)

An Act to amend the Intercoastal Shipping Act, 1933, and for other purposes.

openUnited States· United States Congress· EN

Introduced

21 April 1977

Last action

18 October 1978 · President

Status

Public Law 95-475.

Sponsors

Rep. Murphy, John M. [D-NY-17], Rep. Dingell, John D. [D-MI-12], Sen. Breaux, John B. [D-LA], Rep. Patterson, Jerry M. [D-CA-38], Rep. Zeferetti, Leo C. [D-NY-15], Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8], Rep. Ruppe, Philip E. [R-MI-11], Rep. McCloskey, Paul N., Jr. [R-CA-12], Rep. Treen, David C. [R-LA-3], Rep. Pritchard, Joel [R-WA-1]

Subjects

Transport

Source updated

14 January 2025

Transport

Summary

Amends the Intercoastal Shipping Act, 1933, to require water carriers to file general increases or decreases in rates with the Federal Maritime Commission 60 days before the effective date of such rate change. Defines general increase or decrease in rates as increases or decreases of 50 percent or more of the rate, fare, or charge items in the tariffs per trade of common carriers by water in intercoastal commerce which will result in increases or decreases in the gross revenues of such carrier of three percent or more. Prohibits the Commission from ordering hearings on the lawfulness of rate changes or practices on its own initiative unless it publishes the reasons for such a hearing in the Federal Register or upon protest unless the protestant has established that the proposed rate or practice may cause substantial injury to the protestant and that it is likely that the protestant will win on the merits. Requires the Commission to prescribe guidelines for the determination of what constitutes a just and reasonable rate of return for common carriers by water. Requires the Commission to complete such a hearing within 60 days and to issue a final decision within 180 days. Allows the Commission to extend such time period for an additional 60 days if three or more Commissioners agree to such an extension. Stipulates that if a final decision is not reached within this 180 day period or by the end of an extension period the proposed rate change or practice shall be deemed just and reasonable. Prohibits the Commission from suspending: (1) any tariff schedule or service which extends to any additional port at the rates of the carrier involved for similar service in effect at the nearest port of call to such port; or (2) the operation of that portion of any changed rate representing an increase or decrease of seven percent or less and filed as part of a general increase or decrease in rates. Stipulates that if the Commission finds that, with respect to a general increase in rates, any unsuspended portion of the increase in the carrier's operating revenues resulting from such increase is not just and reasonable, the Commission shall order the carrier involved to refund such increased costs plus interest to persons charged on the basis of such general increase.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

  1. 21 April 1977

    Introduced

    Referred to House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries.

    Source: IntroReferral

  2. 21 April 1977

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    Source: IntroReferral

  3. 21 April 1977

    Introduced

    Introduced in House

    Source: IntroReferral

  4. 30 June 1977

    Reported

    Reported to House from the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries with amendment, H. Rept. 95-474.

    Source: Committee

  5. 30 June 1977

    Reported

    Reported to House from the Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries with amendment, H. Rept. 95-474.

    Source: Committee

  6. 8 May 1978

    Floor

    Measure called up under motion to suspend rules and pass in House.

    Source: Floor

  7. 8 May 1978

    Passed

    Measure passed House, amended.

    Source: Floor

  8. 8 May 1978

    Passed

    Passed/agreed to in House: Measure passed House, amended.

    Source: Floor

  9. 9 May 1978

    Introduced

    Referred to Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

    Source: IntroReferral

  10. 26 September 1978

    Reported

    Reported to Senate from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, S. Rept. 95-1240.

    Source: Committee

  11. 26 September 1978

    Reported

    Reported to Senate from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, S. Rept. 95-1240.

    Source: Committee

  12. 3 October 1978

    Passed

    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Measure passed Senate.

    Source: Floor

  13. 3 October 1978

    Floor

    Call of calendar in Senate.

    Source: Floor

  14. 5 October 1978

    President

    Measure enrolled in House.

    Source: President

  15. 6 October 1978

    Floor

    Measure presented to President.

    Source: Floor

  16. 6 October 1978

    President

    Measure presented to President.

    Source: President

  17. 6 October 1978

    President

    Measure enrolled in Senate.

    Source: President

  18. 18 October 1978

    President

    Public Law 95-475.

    Source: President

  19. 18 October 1978

    Became law

    Signed by President.

    Source: BecameLaw

  20. 18 October 1978

    President

    Signed by President.

    Source: President

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

No version snapshots stored. Document URLs remain at the source.

Documents

3 official files

Public Law (PDF)

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  • Public Law (PDF)

    Public Law · EN · 19 October 1978

    ViewDownloadOpen at official source

  • Reported to House with amendment(s)

    summary · EN · 30 June 1977

    Open at official source

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  • Introduced in House

    summary · EN · 21 April 1977

    Open at official source

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Sponsors

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