I am heartened to see an increase in funding for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.
This program supports the research, development, and deployment of new technology in the maritime industry, particularly low- or zero-carbon...
I worry about the precedent this has created as the fiscal year 2025 funding request follows this downward spiral or trend.
I commend your leadership efforts to make the maritime industry a safe and desirable workplace for all.
It is unacceptable that 40 percent of agencies have failed to provide you with bills of lading.
It is important that the FMC is sufficiently funded so that it can properly continue to carry out these reforms.
Stability in international shipping is integral to a strong economy.
The U.S. merchant marine is shrinking, and availability of American merchant mariners is dwindling.
The reforms in the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act... strengthened the FMC's authority to investigate unfair ocean shipping carrier fee...
Implementing that sooner than 2030 would be helpful as well in this regard.
We thank Congress for waiving the 3-year wait requirement to flag in and have access to preference cargoes.