On the recordDecember 3, 2014
It is not an exaggeration to say that if we don't take deliberate and swift steps to preserve the U.S. Merchant Marine, we will lose it, leaving our Nation dependent for merchant sealift capacity on foreign-flagged vessels and foreign mariners. Despite what some may claim, reserving the carriage of the U.S. Government-impelled cargoes is not unlike any other government program designed to ensure that the expenditure of U.S. taxpayer funds benefits Americans. Again, this is a very important piece of legislation. I urge all the Members to vote for it. To all of those who have been a part of this in making it happen, I express my appreciation. On behalf of the Coast Guard, I express my appreciation.
