[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 55 (Wednesday, April 1, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H4254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     INTRODUCTION OF CRUISE VESSEL SECURITY AND SAFETY ACT OF 2009

  (Ms. MATSUI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, members of the International Cruise 
Victims are on Capitol Hill this week to raise awareness of cruise 
safety issues.
  Over 13 million Americans will take a cruise this year. However, few 
passengers are fully aware of the potential for a crime to occur, and 
those who are victimized often do not know their legal rights and whom 
to contact for help.
  Those who have come to Capitol Hill this week have lost daughters, 
parents, aunts and husbands, and some were victims of sexual assault or 
other crimes on the high seas.
  Due to the absence of law enforcement officials on ocean voyages, it 
can be difficult or impossible to properly resolve many of these 
crimes.
  That is why I have introduced the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety 
Act of 2009 with Senator Kerry. This bill has been informed by three 
congressional hearings and the stories of the individuals who bravely 
came forward.
  I want to thank Ken Carver, Laurie Dishman and the many others who 
have come here to bring awareness to this issue.

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