[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 57 (Wednesday, March 29, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF THE REBUILDING THE UNITED STATES-FLAG INTERNATIONAL 
                               FLEET ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2023

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce the bipartisan 
``Rebuilding the United States-Flag International Fleet Act''. This 
comprehensive legislation would help to recapitalize the U.S.-flag 
international fleet of ocean-going, commercial vessels by guaranteeing 
government cargo during peacetime so that U.S.-flag vessels are 
available during wartime or emergencies.
  The United States has the world's most capable navy able to operate 
in all five oceans, and we need an equally impressive fleet of 
commercial cargo vessels crewed by American mariners. For too long, 
Congress and both Democratic and Republican presidents have allowed the 
commercial fleet of U.S.-flagged, ocean-going vessels to dwindle. 
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's Bureau of 
Transportation Statistics, the number of ocean-going U.S.-flagged 
vessels has declined more than 75 percent since 1985, following the 
1982 treaty called the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
  The global supply chain crunch during the height of the COVID-19 
pandemic, the Russian invasion and blockade of Ukraine, and the 
People's Republic of China's island building in the South China Sea and 
saber-rattling in the Taiwan Strait have shown that the United States 
cannot remain reliant on foreign vessels flying flags of convenience.
  The ``Rebuilding the United States-Flag International Fleet Act'' 
offers Congress the chance to enact the first comprehensive reform of 
cargo preference laws in decades. Our legislation incorporates 
recommendations for the Maritime Administration from the Government 
Accountability Office's report published on September 14, 2022, 
entitled ``Actions Needed to Enhance Cargo Preference Oversight.''
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all members of the House to join me in 
cosponsoring this critical legislation to address this crisis facing 
the U.S.-flag international fleet.

                          ____________________