Amendment clarifies provisions relating to restricting certain vessels from participation in noncontiguous trade routes; designates the Secretary of Defense as the official to request a vessel for the National Defense Reserve Fleet; repeals current law prohibiting the Secretary of Transportation from requiring performance bonds from contractors for repair and maintenance of vessels in the Ready Reserve Fleet; grants reemployment rights to merchant seamen of a vessel used by the U.S. in time of war or national emergency; and extends the Transportation Department's authority to provide maritime insurance to vessels until commercial insurance can be obtained.