Political Quotes

“My amendment will make a narrow and carefully targeted modification to the Passenger Vessel Services Act of 1886 as it applies to Puerto Rico. This amendment would authorize foreign-flagged vessels--in particular, large yachts and recreational vessels--to transport tourists and other paying passengers between ports within Puerto Rico. My amendment would remove an outdated obstacle that makes it impossible for the United States to compete with foreign jurisdictions in the Caribbean region when it comes to attracting investment in nautical tourism. Puerto Rico has the highest unemployment rate in the U.S., and increased nautical tourism has the potential to create new American jobs and spur economic growth. Current Federal law already allows foreign-flagged vessels to transport tourists and other paying customers from a port in Puerto Rico to any port in the Caribbean region outside of Puerto Rico, including to ports in the neighboring U.S. Virgin Islands, where the act does not apply at all. Yet, contrary to common sense, these very same vessels cannot be used to transport tourists and other paying passengers between Puerto Rico's own ports. For example, individuals and businesses cannot charter larger, foreign-flagged yachts or recreational vessels for tourists and other customers who would like to sail between Puerto Rico's various marinas. My amendment would allow this to happen.…”