[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 2 (Thursday, January 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E38]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                LEGISLATION TO ASSIST CALIFORNIA TOURISM

                                 ______


                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 4, 1995
  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, 2 years ago, Representative Lynn Schenk and 
I were both elected to the 103d Congress from districts hard hit by 
defense downsizing and the effects of a lingering recession. During her 
2 years in this body, Representative Schenk fought time and time again 
for California's workers and on behalf of California's tourism 
industry.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today to continue Congresswoman Schenk's efforts 
to help California's tourism businesses by reintroducing her cruise 
ship legislation to close a loophole in Federal law through which 
California loses an estimated $82 million annually. This issue is one 
of great concern to businesses in Representative Schenk's San Diego 
district and to those that I represent in San Pedro and on Catalina 
Island. According to Catalina's Chamber of Commerce, the city of Avalon 
itself loses $1.5 million annually in canceled port visits because of 
the existing loophole.
  Currently under the Federal Johnson Act, a cruise ship that makes an 
intrastate stop is subject to State law even if that ship travels in 
international waters and is destined for another State or foreign 
country. In order to prevent the spread of gambling on the mainland, 
California currently prohibits gambling on cruise ships which make 
multiple stops in the State.
  The legislation which I reintroduce today would allow gambling to 
continue on internationally bound cruises, and would not cause mainland 
gambling to uncontrollably expand. My bill would amend the Johnson Act 
to allow Federal control over voyages that begin and end in the same 
State as long as those stops are part of a voyage to another State or 
foreign country which is reached within 3 days of the start of the 
voyage. The legislation reflects a hard-fought compromise reached last 
year with Senator Daniel Inouye by explicitly excluding the State of 
Hawaii.
  Mr. Speaker, the legislation which I offer today will provide a much 
needed shot-in-the-arm to tourism in California. This issue is by no 
means partisan. Gov. Pete Wilson enthusiastically supported this 
legislation last year. On behalf of Representative Schenk, I urge the 
House to act swiftly in approving this measure.


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