[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 31, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1415]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               FUNDING FOR THE FEDERAL MARITIME ACADEMIES

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                            HON. JACK FIELDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 31, 1996

  Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply concerned about the 
viability and sustainability of our 6 State maritime academies given 
this bill's funding level for the Maritime Administration's operation 
and training account. This portion of the Commerce, Justice, State 
appropriations bill does not specifically provide funding for the 6 
schools and actually cuts $4.3 million from the operation and training 
account that was to have funded the schools.
  The State maritime academies represent a model of State and Federal 
cost sharing in meeting the Nation's need for officers for the American 
flag merchant fleet and other elements of the maritime industry. The 
students and State governments underwrite most of the schools' costs. 
The Federal Government historically has assisted the academies by 
loaning them training ships used to meet the Federal mandate for the 
sea time required to fulfill the Coast Guard licensing requirements. 
The schools maintain these ships at approximately one-third the cost of 
maintaining Ready Reserve Fleet ships.
  The mission of the State maritime academies is to provide, in 
partnership with the Federal Government, licensed American merchant 
marine officers by the most cost-effective means. The 6 schools, 
located in Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Texas, California, and 
Michigan provide 75 percent of the Nation's licensed mariners.
  These State maritime academies represent a high return on a modest 
Federal investment. For only $9.3 million, which represents level 
funding over the past 7 years, they train and graduate 75 percent of 
the Nation's licensed merchant marine offices; maintain a Ready Reserve 
Fleet ships at one-third the Government costs; commission an additional 
100 Navy and Coast Guard Reserve officers each year; and enjoy a 100 
percent job placement rate for graduates.
  I, along with many others on both sides of the aisle, hope the Senate 
will fully fund these much-needed State maritime academies. I also urge 
House appropriations conferees to work with the Senate to restore this 
funding.

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