Stalled FMC Reauthorization Bill Delays New Authorities, Not Current Operations
A reauthorization bill for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has stalled in Congress, preventing the agency from gaining new authorities, according to a former FMC attorney, Ben Nashed. The House approved its version of the bill in December, but the Senate has yet to take it up, despite the fiscal year 2026 ending on September 30. The proposed legislation aims to broaden the definition of 'controlled carriers' to include those owned or controlled by corporations in nonmarket economy countries or countries monitored by the U.S. Trade Representative. It also seeks to establish a National Ocean Carrier Advisory Committee and a National Port Advisory Committee, and reauthorize the FMC for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. While the delay has not impacted the FMC's current operational abilities or funding, it has postponed the implementation of these additional functions. 
