[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 64 (Wednesday, May 5, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S4815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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               MARITIME ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT

 Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, it is with pleasure that I join 
Chairman McCain and Senators Hutchison and Inouye to introduce the 
Maritime Administration Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. This 
legislation is critical for the continuation of a modern commercial 
fleet owned and operated by U.S. citizens and crewed by American 
seafarers. It also ensures America's economic competitiveness and 
national security.
  The Maritime Administration (MARAD) reauthorization continues very 
important programs, and is a much broader piece of legislation than in 
past years. For example, it provides the funding for the Title XI Loan 
Guarantee Program, a truly national and international program. Title XI 
shipowners, their operation and their supplier base, cover almost every 
state in this country. Title XI has been vital in assisting our 
shipyards in competing internationally. U.S. shipyards are attracting 
foreign interests and winning orders for many vessel types. The bill 
also contains technical amendments to the Title XI program which will 
save time and money for both the Government and those applying for a 
loan guarantee. It also provides the funds for the operation of the 
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York and continuing 
assistance to six State maritime academies. These students are the 
future of country and our merchant marine.
  This bill also recognizes the importance of the merchant marine to 
our national security by its support for the recently-enacted Maritime 
Security Program (MSP), a modern commercial fleet available to provide 
critical support to the Department of Defense during war or national 
emergency. This year's reauthorization also contains provisions which 
aim to strengthen our U.S.-flag fleet through a much needed infusion of 
new tonnage by eliminating the three-year wait that a newly-registered 
bulk or breakbulk vessel must currently wait to carry preference cargo. 
This opportunity, which would end in one year or upon enactment of the 
OECD Shipbuilding Agreement, would not just improve the vessel profile 
of this fleet, but also add U.S. jobs> Vessels allowed to enter the 
preference trade would be required to perform shipyard repairs and 
other work necessary to bring them up to U.S.-flag standards in our own 
U.S. shipyards.
  Funding is also provided for two new programs, enacted by the last 
Congress. Under the American Fisheries Act, MARAD will determine 
compliance with citizenship standards for certain fishing vessels, 
assisting in proper management and conservation of an important natural 
resource of our country. The agency is also developing a uniform 
process for the administrative waiver of the U.S.-built requirement for 
participation in the Jones Act trade for certain small passenger 
vessels, so that specific legislation need not be sought each time such 
a waiver is needed.
  Mr. President, MARAD's FY 2000 budget recognizes the importance of 
sealift readiness and a strong U.S.-flag fleet. It acknowledges the 
need for a healthy shipbuilding industry and also provides for the 
education of our youth. I urge my colleagues to support this 
legislation.

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