On the recordDecember 17, 2015
if I might, let me briefly explain the basis for my objection. I have had the opportunity to discuss this matter with my colleague from the State of Alaska. The cruise industry foreign-flags its vessels and thus pays no U.S. income tax, yet it has asked for protections in this bill from remedies sought by seamen for failing to pay wage and overtime, for remedies for maintenance and cure, one of the oldest, internationally recognized remedies for seafarers. These two remedies would keep the U.S. Merchant Marine competitive. U.S.-flagged vessels are required to hire U.S. seamen, and only by ensuring that workers on U.S. vessels and foreign- flagged vessels, which sail in and out of U.S. ports carrying U.S. passengers, have the same remedies can U.S. jobs be protected. I have had the opportunity to discuss this issue with the Senator from Alaska, and it is my hope that we can work diligently together to address and clear issues of concern to myself and a number of my colleagues. But until we have that opportunity to review the text and to appropriately resolve concerns that arise from the Jones Act and the longstanding workers compensation-type benefit I described called maintenance and cure, my objection will continue. I yield the floor. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Alaska.
