Political Quotes

“I applaud Chairmen Mica and LoBiondo and Ranking Members Rahall and Larsen for their work on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2012 and for their leadership. I also thank our colleagues in the Senate for their work. The bill before us contains provisions in Section 301 that are substantially similar to H.R. 3202, the American Mariners Job Protection Act, which I introduced with Congressman Jeff Landry. These provisions will significantly expand transparency surrounding the issuance of waivers allowing non-Jones Act qualified vessels to carry cargoes between two ports in the United States. While the Jones Act can be waived in the interest of national defense, the Maritime Administration (MARAD) is required to assess whether Jones Act-qualified vessels are available to carry the cargo under consideration. However, recent experience suggests that such assessments have been cursory at best. The provisions included in Section 301 will require MARAD to publicize the results of such assessments, including detailing the actions that could be taken to enable American vessels to carry the cargo for which a waiver is sought. MARAD will also be required to publish its determinations on its website and provide notification to Congress when a Jones Act waiver is requested or issued. I thank my colleagues for working with me and Congressman Landry to make these important improvements in the administration of the Jones Act.…”