Application of coastwise laws

Except as provided in subsection (b), the coastwise laws apply to the United States, including the island territories and possessions of the United States. American Samoa; the Northern Mariana Islands, except as provided in section 502(b) of the Covenant To Establish a Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in Political Union With the United States of America (48 U.S.C. 1801 note); or the Virgin Islands until the President declares by proclamation that the coastwise laws apply to the Virgin Islands. The coastwise laws do not apply to— (Source: (Pub. L. 109–304, § 8(c), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1632; Pub. L. 110–181, div. C, title XXXV, § 3527(a), Jan. 28, 2008, 122 Stat. 602.))