[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 113 (Thursday, July 29, 2010)]
[House]
[Page H6287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      KEEP AVONDALE SHIPYARD OPEN

  (Mr. ALEXANDER asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, Northrop Grumman recently announced 
that they would consolidate and close Avondale Shipyard by 2013. In the 
midst of economic downturn, the gulf oil spill, the drilling 
moratorium, layoffs from the NASA shuttle program, the decision to 
close Avondale will very well have a devastating effect on the State of 
Louisiana.
  We must find a solution to help those 5,000 employees that would be 
affected. Article I, section 9 of the Constitution states that ``no 
preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or revenue to 
the ports of one State over those of another.''
  If Avondale were making cruise ships, then this wouldn't be a Federal 
jurisdiction. However, as Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding has built over 
70 percent of the Navy's fleet, I believe this is the time to exercise 
some intervention into this consolidation process. We must assist the 
State in finding alternative issues for Avondale Shipyard in Louisiana.

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