    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: William J. Clinton (1996, Book II)]
    [October 8, 1996]
    [Pages 1792-1793]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on Signing the Maritime Security Act of 1996
    October 8, 1996

        Today I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 1350, the ``Maritime
    Security Act of 1996.'' This Act sets the course for America's merchant
    marine into the 21st century.
        The American flag must always sail in the sea lanes of the world. In
    recent years, our country has again been reminded of the critical role
    played by the U.S. merchant marine in protecting our interests and the
    security of our allies. The enactment of this legislation is the
    culmination of a long, bipartisan effort. It will ensure that the United
    States will continue to have American flag ships crewed by loyal
    American citizen merchant mariners to meet our Nation's economic and
    sealift defense requirements.
        The American merchant marine is an important component of the
    sealift needed by the Department of Defense. By contracting with the
    owners and operators of U.S.-flag commercial vessels, the Government
    will gain access to a fleet of modern commercial ships, along with the
    sophisticated intermodal transportation system supporting it. The
    Government also assures that the seafaring men and women who crew these
    commercial ships in peacetime will be available to crew the Government's
    reserve sealift ships in times of crisis.

    [[Page 1793]]

        This Act extends to seafarers the same basic reemployment rights
    that apply to reserve members of our Armed Forces in time of war or
    national emergency. American merchant mariners have always responded to
    the call in times of crisis, and they deserve the assurance that their
    peacetime jobs will be there when they return.
        The Maritime Security Act will protect American jobs and maintain a
    U.S. presence in international maritime trade, ensuring that vital
    imports and exports are delivered in both peacetime and wartime. The Act
    reaffirms our Nation's resolve to maintain a strong U.S.-flag presence
    on the high seas for our continued national security and economic
    growth.

                                                          William J. Clinton

    The White House,

    October 8, 1996.

    Note: H.R. 1350, approved October 8, was assigned Public Law No. 104-
    239.