[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 30, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9155-S9156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I have always been a strong supporter of the 
U.S.-flag merchant marine, and America's maritime industry. That is 
why, last year I introduced the Maritime Security Act of 1995. This 
bill is the product of nearly a decade of bipartisan and bicameral 
effort. It will reform, streamline, and reduce Federal support for the 
U.S.-flag merchant marine, while at the same time revitalizing our 
U.S.-flag fleet.
  The starting point for the Maritime Security Program is the simple 
and valid premise that America's merchant marine is a vital component 
of our military sealift capability.
  Thus, in order to protect our military presence overseas, we must 
have a modern, efficient, and reliable sealift. On this point, the 
assessment of our Nation's top military leaders is unequivocal. Our 
military needs a U.S.-flag merchant marine to carry supplies to our 
troops overseas. We cannot, in fact, we must not, rely on foreign ships 
and foreign crews to deliver supplies into hostile areas.
  Just recently I receive a letter from Adm. Thomas Moorer, the former 
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Rear Adm. Robert Spiro, a 
former Under Secretary of the Army. They both enthusiastically endorsed 
the legislation. I have added this letter to a stack of letters sitting 
on my desk from many other distinguished military leaders who also have 
strongly backed the Maritime Security Act.
  Not long ago, I also received endorsements of the Maritime Security 
Act from the Honorable John P. White, the current Deputy Secretary of 
Defense, and the Honorable John W. Douglass, the current Assistant 
Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition.
  I also have received numerous letters from members of the Navy League 
of the United States.
  Clearly, there is visible support from both the active and retired 
military community for the recognized value of this program.
  The Maritime Security Act will ensure that our Nation will continue 
to have access to both a fleet of militarily useful U.S.-flag 
commercial vessels, and a cadre of trained and loyal U.S.-citizen 
crews. What's more, under this bill our military planners will gain 
access to the onshore logistical and intermodal capabilities of these 
U.S.-flag vessel operators. Instead of just getting a ship, our 
military gets access to port facilities worldwide, state-of-the-art 
computer tracking systems, intermodal loading and transfer equipment,

[[Page S9156]]

and so on. And our Nation get these benefits for less than half the 
cost of the current program.
  This is both a fiscal and national security bargain.
  Let me make this point clear. This is not a blanket handout to the 
maritime industry. To participate in the Maritime Security Program, 
each vessel must be approved by the Secretary of Defense. And 
participation is limited to vessels actively engaged in the 
international maritime trades.
  Make no mistake about it--without it the American maritime flag will 
disappear from the high seas. The U.S.-flag merchant marine that has 
helped to sustain this country in peace and has served with bravery and 
honor in wartime will be gone.
  I don't believe that any American wants that day to come.
  Provisions of this bill have been considered and discussed in nearly 
50 public hearings in either the House or the Senate. These hearings 
were full and open. All interested parties, both for and against this 
approach, have had notice and opportunity to make comments, criticisms 
and corrections. In 9 years, this inclusive process has insured the 
incorporation of all valid provisions into a balanced and responsible 
public policy which advances and revitalizes an integral segment of 
America's economy and culture. This inclusive process is reflected in 
the deep respect and support for this legislation across a wide 
political and social spectrum.
  The House passed the bill in December on a voice vote, with 
overwhelming and loud bipartisan support. I have been told that the 
President intends to sign this bill promptly after its final passage 
here in the Senate.
  Mr. President, the Senate has a responsibility to provide for the 
Nation's defense. And this bill represents the most cost-effective way 
to make sure that our military has the sealift capabilities it needs to 
protect our interests around the world. It marks a dramatic departure 
from our previous maritime programs. The entitlements are gone, and 
they have been replaced by a vigorous fiscal discipline and dynamic 
marketplace.
  Mr. President, I urge all of my colleagues to stand with me in 
support of this legislation when it comes to the floor.
  Mr. President, this is a bill we must pass before this Congress goes 
into recess for this fall's elections. It is my hope that the Senate 
will consider the Maritime Security Act on the floor in September.

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