PUBLIC LAW 108–136—NOV. 24, 2003
117 STAT. 1819
(1) SPECIFIC IMPACTS.—As part of the study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall address, in particular, the impact of such amendments on— (A) the Maritime Security Fleet established under chapter 531 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this Act; (B) the civilian bulk cargo preference program under section 901(a), 901(b), or 901b of such Act (46 U.S.C. App. 1241(a), 1241(b), and 1241f); and (C) operations of vessels under sections 901a through 901k of such Act (46 U.S.C. App. 1241e through 1241o, the Food for Peace Act of 1966 (7 U.S.C. 1707a(b)(8)), or any other statute in pari materia. (2) CERTAIN ASPECTS.—In carrying out paragraph (1), the Comptroller General shall consider, among other matters— (A) increased or decreased costs to the overall cargo preference program, including transportation costs (for both land and water transportation); (B) effects on ports; (C) the number of shipments that would be affected; (D) increased or decreased administrative and compliance burdens for carriers and Federal agencies; and (E) increases or decreases in the number of United States-flag operators participating in the cargo preference program. (3) BALANCING BENEFITS.—In the study, the Comptroller General shall also address whether and how such amendments could result in achieving an appropriate balance of benefits between participants in the Maritime Security Fleet program and participants in the cargo preference program. (c) REPORT.—The Comptroller General shall transmit a report of the study, including findings, conclusions, and recommendations (including legislative recommendations, if any), to the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate within 9 months after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d) AUTHORITY.—In order to conduct the study required by subsection (a), the Comptroller General, or any of the Comptroller General’s duly authorized representatives, shall have access to any books, accounts, documents, papers, and records that relate to the information required to complete the study of owners or operators of vessels— (1) under operating agreements under subtitle B of title VI of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 (46 U.S.C. App. 651 et seq.) or chapter 531 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this Act; and (2) that accept bulk cargo subject to the cargo preference laws of the United States. SEC. 3536. DEFINITIONS.
In this subtitle, the definitions set forth in section 53101 of title 46, United States Code, as amended by this Act, shall apply. SEC. 3537. EFFECTIVE DATES.
(a) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), this subtitle shall take effect October 1, 2004.
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