The new bill authored by U.S. Rep. Nick LaLota in the U.S. House aims to broaden ferry program eligibility to include private operators meeting public transportation needs, according to the U.S. Congress.
H.R.8200 was introduced on April 6, 2026 during the 2026 regular session of the 119th Congress. The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill amends title 23 of the United States Code to allow privately or majority-privately owned ferries and ferry terminal facilities to be eligible for the Ferry Boat Program. It specifies that federal participation in the construction of such ferry facilities is permissible, provided they offer substantial public benefits or meet critical transportation needs. The amendment clarifies that eligible projects may involve ferries operating between adjoining states and allows these privately owned ferries to charge fares that cover operational costs and provide a reasonable return. The changes aim to enhance ferry service accessibility, particularly in routes connecting public roads, and will take effect one year after the bill’s enactment.
The bill was introduced by Rep. Nick LaLota (Republican-NY-1st District) and co-sponsored by Rep. Joe Courtney (Democrat-NY-2nd District).
Since the beginning of the current session, Rep. LaLota has introduced another 20 bills.
Congressional bills can originate in either the U.S. House of Representatives or the U.S. Senate, except for revenue-related measures, which must begin in the House. After introduction, bills are assigned to committees for review, hearings, amendments and debate before they can advance to a vote in each chamber. If both chambers approve identical versions, the legislation is sent to the president, who may sign it into law or veto it. Congress operates in two-year terms, with each term numbered sequentially and divided into two annual sessions. The legislative process and official bill records are maintained by the U.S. Congress and published through Congress.gov.
Nicholas Lalota is a Representative from New York, serving in the One Hundred Eighteenth Congress since January 3, 2023. He has held various positions in public service, including staff roles for U.S. Representative Steve Israel, the New York State Senate, and the Suffolk County Legislature, and he has served on the board of trustees for the village of Amityville.
Lalota graduated from the United States Naval Academy with a B.S. in 2000, and later earned an M.B.A. and J.D. from Hofstra University in 2012 and 2020, respectively. He served in the United States Navy from 2000 to 2007 and has also worked as a stockbroker and as a commissioner for the Suffolk County Board of Elections.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| H.R.8200 | 04/06/2026 | Interstate Ferry Fairness Act |
| H.R.5643 | 09/30/2025 | To name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center located in Northport, New York, as the Navy (SEAL) Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy VA Medical Center, and for other purposes. |
| H.R.5642 | 09/30/2025 | To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 47 Echo Avenue in Miller Place, New York, as the “Christopher Pendergast Post Office Building”. |
| H.R.5641 | 09/30/2025 | To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 240 Main Street in Northport, New York, as the “Coast Guard Petty Officer 3rd Class Nate Bruckenthal Post Office Building”. |
| H.R.5589 | 09/26/2025 | To name the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic located in Riverhead, New York, as the “Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn VA Clinic”, and for other purposes. |
| H.R.5588 | 09/26/2025 | To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 170 Main Street in Westhampton Beach, New York, as the “Jolly 51 Memorial Post Office Building”. |
| H.R.5471 | 09/18/2025 | Advancing Quality U.S. Aquaculture Act |
| H.R.5321 | 09/11/2025 | To amend title 23, United States Code, with respect to the special rule for low emission and energy efficient vehicles facilities, and for other purposes. |
| H.R.5064 | 08/29/2025 | Save our Safety-Net Hospitals Act of 2025 |
| H.R.865 | 01/31/2025 | Service-Disabled Veteran Opportunities in Small Business Act |
| H.R.835 | 01/31/2025 | 9/11 Memorial and Museum Act |
| H.R.788 | 01/28/2025 | DOE and SBA Research Act |
| H.R.787 | 01/28/2025 | Plain Language in Contracting Act |
| H.R.586 | 01/21/2025 | Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act |
| H.R.585 | 01/21/2025 | Supporting Veteran Families in Need Act |
| H.R.518 | 01/16/2025 | Troops Before Politicians Act |
| H.R.439 | 01/15/2025 | Veterans Foreign Medical Coverage Equality and Modernization Act of 2025 |
| H.R.438 | 01/15/2025 | PFC Joseph P. Dwyer Peer Support Program Act |
| H.R.288 | 01/09/2025 | Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2025 |
| H.R.287 | 01/09/2025 | Mobile Post Office Relief Act |
| H.R.32 | 01/03/2025 | No Bailout for Sanctuary Cities Act |
Information in this article was obtained from the U.S. Congress. The source data can be found here.
