COMMERCIAL VESSEL CHARTERING AUTHORITY.

SEC. 3511. COMMERCIAL VESSEL CHARTERING AUTHORITY.(a) In General.—Subchapter III of chapter 575 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:122 STAT. 594 “§ 57533. Vessel chartering authority “The Secretary of Transportation may enter into contracts or other agreements on behalf of the United States to purchase, charter, operate, or otherwise acquire the use of any vessels documented under chapter 121 of this title and any other related real or personal property. The Secretary is authorized to use this authority as the Secretary deems appropriate.” .(b) Conforming Amendment.—The chapter analysis for chapter 575 of such title is amended by adding at the end the following: “57533. Vessel chartering authority”.