US HR463

House Resolution condemning flag-of-convenience practices, where ships register under foreign nations' flags to avoid U.S. labor standards, tariffs, sanctions, and safety regulations

Cites illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing enabled by flag-of-convenience as costing the global seafood industry approximately $50 billion annually

Notes that a 2002 congressional panel found al-Qaida was operating ships under flag-of-convenience practices, enabling movement of arms, money, and potentially weapons of mass destruction

Calls on the United Nations, International Maritime Organization, and International Labour Organization to condemn these practices and help member nations uphold global maritime standards

Supports increased funding and protections for U.S. maritime industry, shipbuilding, and ship repair while emphasizing the importance of Port State Control Agreements across multiple regions