Karen Thurman: “Mr. Speaker, this bill is going to address a critical situation for Florida's tourist industry. On September 30, the…”

“Mr. Speaker, this bill is going to address a critical situation for Florida's tourist industry. On September 30, the Customs Service lost authority to collect fees used to inspect cruise vessels traveling to the Caribbean island community. Customs has advised cruise ship companies in Florida that Customs will be unable to provide inspection service to vessels that will be starting cruises from Florida on or after December 1, 1997. Customs claims that the expiration of the user fee authority will require the reduction of inspectional positions in Florida. This bill prevents the loss of these positions and will ensure that tourists seeking to enjoy cruises in Florida this winter are not disappointed. Specifically the bill allows Customs to access the Customs user fee account to provide for up to 50 full-time inspectors. The account contains about $120 million, far more than the $1 million or so needed to maintain these positions. I understand because of the expiration of the user fee authority, Customs intends to remove an additional 27 inspectors who provide similar services for cruise ships arriving at Long Beach, CA, and for the preclearance of aircraft passengers in Canada. I believe that the Committee on Ways and Means should work with the Customs Service to develop a long-term solution that ensures the continuation of inspection services for air and sea passengers and for all affected ports of entry.”