Transport

On July 22, 2026, the House narrowly approved the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 8800) by a vote of 216 to 212, sending the measure to the Senate. Tucked inside the massive defense policy bill are two amendments that, together, amount to the broadest rewrite of federal maritime law in a generation.

The Federal Maritime Commission's Fact Finding Investigation No. 30 examined the cruise industry's unprecedented shutdown during COVID-19, revealing critical regulatory gaps and informing sweeping reforms to passenger protection frameworks. From emergency capital relief for operators to mandatory refund timelines and enhanced financial responsibility requirements, the investigation's findings shaped policies that helped stabilize an industry supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs while strengthening consu

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy sent a letter to key leaders of Congress outlining the DOT's priorities for surface transportation programs expiring on September 30, 2026.