Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I rise to explain a provision included in the Commerce, Justice, State appropriations bill manager's amendment and to…”

“I rise to explain a provision included in the Commerce, Justice, State appropriations bill manager's amendment and to convey my thanks to Senator Gregg and Senator Hollings for including it. This provision directs funding for the Student Incentive Payment (SIP) program for FY99. I am very concerned about language in the Administration's budget calling for a four-year phase-out of SIP, beginning in FY99. These payments are used to help students at state maritime schools defray the cost of their education. In exchange for an annual stipend while they are in school, these students incur a 6 year obligation in the Navy and Merchant Marine Reserve. They represent an important element of the Navy's professional mariners and a cadre of trained professionals available in the event of a national emergency when activation of the Ready Reserve Fleet is required. I commend the subcommittee for sharing my concern. The subcommittee report reflects this concern by calling upon MARAD to report on the willingness of the Navy to pay for the program. However, I understand that discussions between the Navy and MARAD are still on-going which, while encouraging, may mean that the incoming class at state maritime academies may not be able to take advantage of SIP as their classmates ahead of them have, and those behind them hopefully will. If we are going to ensure continuity, we have to fund SIP for another year in this bill.”