[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 112 (Friday, August 12, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 12, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
       INTRODUCTION OF THE MARITIME REGULATORY REFORM ACT OF 1994

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                        HON. W.J. (BILLY) TAUZIN

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 12, 1994

  Mr. TAUZIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to announce the introduction of the 
Maritime Regulatory Reform Act of 1994. On August 10, Secretary 
Federico Pena, submitted the act as a legislative proposal and 
requested its introduction. This act is the product of a cooperative 
effort between the Department of Transportation, the Coast Guard, 
various members of the U.S. maritime industry and the Subcommittee on 
Coast Guard and Navigation. During the 103d Congress, our subcommittee 
has held three hearings on the maritime regulatory reform issue. I am 
pleased to see that our efforts have resulted in a bill that, in 
Secretary Pena's words, promises ``to reduce the economic burden on 
United States-flagged vessels by streamlining certain requirements, by 
expanding the delegation of the performance of marine safety functions 
to third parties, and by broadening the Coast Guard's marine safety 
authority to accommodate these changes.'' This bill seeks to improve 
the efficiency and effectiveness of Coast Guard safety regulations; it 
is not intended to result in any reduction in the safety of life at sea 
or protection of the marine environment.
  This bill hit the fast track within the administration because it is 
a specific example of the White House's goal to reinvent the way the 
Federal Government does business. On August 11, 1994, the Subcommittee 
on Coast Guard on Navigation heard testimony on the reform proposal. 
Within the varied interest represented on the witness panel, there was 
a consensus of support for the goals of the reform package. Because the 
administration's proposal has not had the luxury of a long period for 
its review, the subcommittee is seeking additional comments from those 
individuals who might be affected if this bill is enacted. I have 
tentatively scheduled a subcommittee markup of the bill in early 
September, and welcome any suggestions to improve the act. I have 
attached a copy of Secretary Pena's letter transmitting the proposed 
legislation, the text of the bill, and a section-by-section analysis.

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