General authority — Us Code Code § 56301

Us Code Code § 56301 — General authority. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 56301. General authority

During a national emergency declared by Presidential proclamation, or a period for which the President has proclaimed that the security of the national defense makes it advisable, the Secretary of Transportation may requisition or purchase, or requisition or charter the use of, a vessel owned by citizens of the United States, a documented vessel, or a vessel under construction in the United States.

(Pub. L. 109–304, §8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1654.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised

Section

Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
56301 46 App.:1242(a) (1st, 2d sentences). June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title IX, §902(a) (1st, 2d sentences), 49 Stat. 2015; Pub. L. 97–31, §12(131), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 165; Pub. L. 100–710, title I, §104(c), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4750.

The words "or other watercraft" are omitted because of the definition of "vessel" in chapter 1 of the revised title. The words "The termination of any emergency so declared shall be announced by a further proclamation by the President" are omitted as superseded by the National Emergencies Act (50 U.S.C. 1601 et seq.).

About This Section

46 U.S.C. § 56301 is part of Title 46 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 46 U.S.C. § 56301. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

At a glance

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It addresses "General authority". Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

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