Political Quotes

“This bipartisan amendment will help men and women in the armed services that gain experience in maritime trades during their military career to transition into careers in the U.S. merchant marine so they can continue to serve our country. This program will provide access to training opportunities necessary to meet the requirements for licenses and certificates of registry. The program established by my amendment will help build on past successes, allowing the tens of thousands of currently serving military servicemembers in the maritime trades to leave the military fully licensed to serve in the U.S. merchant marine. We can fix this now and, in doing so, not only allow already qualified servicemembers a better opportunity to find a job, but a chance to continue to ensure our national security. A strong, domestic maritime industry is a critical component of our national security strategy. We must ensure that an adequate supply of mariners is available to support this industry. This not only preserves American security, but it preserves American jobs. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.”