[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.