Maritime Appropriation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1986
Key claim: The Senate approved 1986 funding for U.S. merchant-ship operating subsidies, maritime research and training, and the Federal Maritime Commission, and gave federal appeals courts exclusive power to review the Commission’s shipping orders.
Abstract
(S679 · 99th Congress) (Measure passed Senate, amended) Maritime Appropriation Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1986 - Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the Department of Transportation for the following maritime items: (1) operating differential subsidy; (2) research and development activities; and (3) operations and training activities, including maritime education and training expenses and national security support capabilities. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1986 for the Federal Maritime Commission. Amends the judicial code to confer exclusive jurisdiction upon the court of appeals to enjoin, set aside, suspend, or determine the validity of all final orders of the Federal Maritime Commission entered under the Federal shipping laws. Latest action (1985-06-05): Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Voice Vote.
Why this matters
This FY1986 authorization is one of the recurring vehicles through which Congress funds U.S.-flag merchant-ship subsidies, MARAD training programs, and the Federal Maritime Commission. Its lasting doctrinal contribution is procedural: routing challenges to FMC shipping orders directly to the federal courts of appeals rather than district courts, which continues to shape how carriers, shippers, and ports contest Commission action today.