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Ocean Shipping Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2023

12/15/2023, 3:55 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1696

The Ocean Shipping Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 1696, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at addressing antitrust issues within the ocean shipping industry. The bill seeks to promote fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices among ocean carriers.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a new Ocean Shipping Antitrust Enforcement Task Force within the Department of Justice. This task force would be responsible for investigating and prosecuting violations of antitrust laws within the ocean shipping industry. The bill also includes provisions to enhance cooperation and information sharing between the Department of Justice and other relevant agencies, such as the Federal Maritime Commission.

Additionally, the bill seeks to increase transparency within the industry by requiring ocean carriers to provide more detailed information about their pricing and service offerings. This information would be made publicly available to help ensure that shippers have access to fair and competitive shipping options. Overall, the Ocean Shipping Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2023 aims to promote fair competition and protect the interests of shippers and consumers within the ocean shipping industry. By addressing antitrust issues and increasing transparency, the bill seeks to create a more level playing field for all participants in the industry.

Congressional Summary of HR 1696

Ocean Shipping Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2023

This bill generally applies federal antitrust laws to ocean common carriers. It also provides statutory authority for the current exemption from such laws for assessment agreements involving collectively bargained fringe benefit obligations.

The bill also authorizes the Federal Maritime Commission to formally comment on mergers and acquisitions of common carriers and marine terminal operators that are under review by the Department of Justice's Antitrust Division.

Current Status of Bill HR 1696

Bill HR 1696 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since March 22, 2023. Bill HR 1696 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on March 22, 2023.  Bill HR 1696's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. as of March 23, 2023

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1696

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
8
Democrat Cosponsors
6
Republican Cosponsors
2
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1696

Primary Policy Focus

Commerce

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1696

Ocean Shipping Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2023
Ocean Shipping Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2023
To repeal certain exemptions from antitrust laws, and for other purposes.

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