A bill to increase the role of the Secretary of Transportation in administering section 901 of the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, and for other purposes.

Amends the Merchant Marine Act, 1936 to grant to the Secretary of Transportation the sole responsibility for determining and designating those programs which are subject to the requirement that at least 50 percent of Government-generated cargoes be shipped on privately owned U.S.-flag commercial vessels to the extent such vessels are available at fair and reasonable rates.

Declares that requirements calling for specified percentums of gross tonnage of equipment, materials, or agricultural commodities furnished or financed by the United States be transported on U.S.-flag commercial vessels shall be applicable for the 18-month period commencing April 1, 1999, and the 12-month period beginning on the first day of October (fiscal year) in the year 2000 thereafter.