Noncontiguous Disaster Shipping Act

# Noncontiguous Disaster Shipping Act (HR 4813) Summary **What the Bill Does:** This bill would modify shipping regulations for U.S. territories and states that are not connected to the mainland—specifically places like Guam, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Alaska. When these areas experience disasters, the bill would make it easier and faster to transport emergency supplies and relief materials by temporarily reducing or waiving certain shipping restrictions and regulations that normally apply to these regions. **Who It Affects:** The bill primarily benefits residents of noncontiguous U.S.

territories and states during emergencies. It could also affect shipping companies that operate routes to these areas, potentially allowing them more flexibility in how they deliver disaster relief goods. **Current Status:** As of now, HR 4813 remains in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. The bill was introduced by Representative James Moylan, a Republican delegate from Guam, which makes sense given Guam's geographic isolation and vulnerability to natural disasters.