Political Quotes

“today I wish to introduce the America's Cup Act of 2011. This legislation will enable foreign ships to compete for the 34th America's Cup, scheduled to begin in November. I am happy to be joined by Senators Barbara Boxer, Jack Reed, and Sheldon Whitehouse as original cosponsors. The America's Cup is one of the oldest global sporting competitions. Its economic impact is surpassed only by the Olympics and the World Cup of soccer. The event will begin in San Diego on November 12th. Next year the events continue in Italy and Newport, Rhode Island, and they conclude in San Francisco in September 2013. But the events in San Diego, Newport and San Francisco cannot take place unless we waive certain laws that prohibit foreign vessels from operating in U.S. waters. My legislation waives the Jones Act and the Passenger Vessel Services Act for all vessels participating in or supporting the America's Cup events. However, this waiver is limited and narrow. It was carefully crafted to protect our domestic industry and passenger service operators. The legislation specifically states that the authority to operate in U.S. waters is strictly limited to activities that occur during and related to America's Cup Events. The vessels are prohibited from transporting more than 25 individuals or from receiving compensation for transportation. The vessels are prohibited from transporting merchandise between ports.…”