Bill Number: S 3266 | Origin Chamber: Senate | Status: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably. | Policy Area: Transportation and Public Works
Establishes a corporation to support Merchant Marine Academy athletics.
Senators Wicker (R-MS) and Kelly (D-AZ) introduced the bill.
In Senate committee, no vote yet.
This bill authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to establish a new, government-owned nonprofit corporation in New York State. This corporation's sole purpose would be to support the athletic programs of the United States Merchant Marine Academy. Senators Roger Wicker, a Republican from Mississippi, and Mark Kelly, a Democrat from Arizona, introduced the bill. It is currently being reviewed by a Senate committee, and no votes have been taken on it yet.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on November 20, 2025, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. For it to become law, the committee must approve it, then the full Senate must vote on it. If it passes there, it would then go to the House of Representatives for a vote, and finally to the President for signature.
If this bill passes, the Secretary of Transportation could create a new corporation to directly manage and solicit funds for the United States Merchant Marine Academy's athletic programs. This corporation would be able to enter into contracts, accept transfers of existing athletic support assets, and license academy trademarks. Up to one-third of the corporation's board of directors could be Department of Transportation employees, serving in an oversight role, without additional compensation.
Supporters Say
Supporters argue this bill provides a more flexible and robust way to financially support the athletic programs at the Merchant Marine Academy.
Critics Say
Critics might raise concerns about creating a new government-owned entity and the involvement of federal employees on its board.
Those in favor would likely point to the benefits of a dedicated, flexible financial structure for the academy's sports, potentially enhancing cadet life and recruitment efforts without relying solely on traditional appropriations. Skeptics might question the precedent of a government-owned corporation operating as a nonprofit, or potential issues related to oversight, conflicts of interest, or unfair competition with existing private athletic booster organizations.