Posted:
June 16, 2011
On Tuesday, Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation in the House of Representatives, reiterated his strong support for the U.S. maritime industry, marine highways and the Jones Act.
Speaking before a subcommittee hearing, Chairman LoBiondo called maintenance and improvements to the marine transportation system "essential" to any effort to create jobs or expand exports. "The commerce which moves on the marine transportation system fuels the economy," LoBiondo said. We need to "explore ways to create jobs, increase exports and save taxpayers money. A robust marine transportation system can potentially accomplish all three."
Domestic shipping supports half-a-million American jobs and $100 billion in annual economic output, LoBiondo said. "It is imperative that policies we develop promote transportation of goods on American ships, built in American shipyards and operated by American mariners."
The hearing, "Creating Jobs and Increasing U.S. Exports by Enhancing the Marine Transportation System," examined the obstacles, benefits and possible incentives involved in expanding the U.S. maritime industry and in meeting the President's goal of doubling exports by 2015.
The subcommittee and witnesses reviewed steps necessary to expand America's marine highways. Chairman LoBiondo expressed his support for growth of domestic waterborne transportation. "These rivers, canals and coastal routes are the most economical, environmentally sustainable and safe mode of commercial freight transportation," he said.
Finally, Chairman LoBiondo voiced his "strong" support for the Jones Act, America's preeminent cabotage law. Occasionally there arise "ideas or suggestions that could be advanced either legislatively or otherwise that would dramatically change or weaken the Jones Act," LoBiondo said. "I can assure you that as chairman of this subcommittee, I'll do everything in my power not to let that happen."
Rep. LoBiondo voices support for U.S. maritime industry, Jones Act in expansion of domestic maritime transportation system
On Tuesday, Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation in the House of Representatives, reiterated his strong support for the U.S. maritime industry, marine highways and the Jones Act.
Speaking before a subcommittee hearing, Chairman LoBiondo called maintenance and improvements to the marine transportation system "essential" to any effort to create jobs or expand exports. "The commerce which moves on the marine transportation system fuels the economy," LoBiondo said. We need to "explore ways to create jobs, increase exports and save taxpayers money. A robust marine transportation system can potentially accomplish all three."
Domestic shipping supports half-a-million American jobs and $100 billion in annual economic output, LoBiondo said. "It is imperative that policies we develop promote transportation of goods on American ships, built in American shipyards and operated by American mariners."
The hearing, "Creating Jobs and Increasing U.S. Exports by Enhancing the Marine Transportation System," examined the obstacles, benefits and possible incentives involved in expanding the U.S. maritime industry and in meeting the President's goal of doubling exports by 2015.
The subcommittee and witnesses reviewed steps necessary to expand America's marine highways. Chairman LoBiondo expressed his support for growth of domestic waterborne transportation. "These rivers, canals and coastal routes are the most economical, environmentally sustainable and safe mode of commercial freight transportation," he said.
Finally, Chairman LoBiondo voiced his "strong" support for the Jones Act, America's preeminent cabotage law. Occasionally there arise "ideas or suggestions that could be advanced either legislatively or otherwise that would dramatically change or weaken the Jones Act," LoBiondo said. "I can assure you that as chairman of this subcommittee, I'll do everything in my power not to let that happen."