S.1259 - Manifest Modernization Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
The Manifest Modernization Act of 2025 (S.1259) aims to amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to mandate public disclosure of specific vehicle and aircraft manifest information. This includes details about cargo, origin, and transportation routes. The bill seeks to increase transparency in trade and transportation by making this information accessible to the public.
Expected Effects
The Act will lead to increased transparency in import and export activities. This could affect businesses involved in trade, as competitors and the public will have greater access to shipment details. It may also impact supply chain security and competitive strategies.
Potential Benefits
- Increased Transparency: Public access to manifest information promotes accountability.
- Improved Security: Enhanced scrutiny of cargo details may aid in detecting illicit activities.
- Level Playing Field: Public disclosure could reduce information asymmetry among businesses.
- Consumer Awareness: The public can gain insights into the origin and transportation of goods.
- Data Analysis: Researchers and analysts can use the data for economic and logistical studies.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Competitive Disadvantage: Businesses might lose competitive advantages due to disclosure of sensitive information.
- Privacy Concerns: Disclosure of certain data could raise privacy issues for shippers and consignees.
- Increased Costs: Compliance with the new disclosure requirements may increase operational costs.
- Potential for Misinterpretation: Publicly available data could be misinterpreted or misused.
- Security Risks: Publicly available manifest data could be exploited by malicious actors.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with Congress's power to regulate commerce with foreign nations, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. The requirement for public disclosure does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights, such as those protected by the First or Fourth Amendments, as long as the information disclosed does not violate privacy expectations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).