On the recordNovember 15, 2011
In closing, Madam Chair, I hear that there is some opposition, but what frustrates me is that there are no specifics. I haven't yet heard a specific way in which my proposed amendment would harm any U.S.-flagged vessel or industry. Indeed, the groups that are supposedly opposing have not been able to articulate any specific amendment that I could make to my bill to take care of their concerns. Rather, their concerns appear to be more of a generalized and of a vague quality, namely that they are concerned that allowing any modification or revision to the Passenger Vessel Services Act will eventually lead to other requests for modifications down the line. I believe we have to be balanced. Puerto Rico has been economically going through a recession now for 5 years in a row, and this could make a difference. Helping Puerto Rico helps the U.S. We are talking, after all, about an American territory, about American jobs, and about the nautical tourism industry in Puerto Rico and the U.S. I urge my colleagues to support my amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.
