Posted:
June 20, 2016
On June 14, representatives of all sectors of the U.S. maritime industry joined together to meet with congressional lawmakers and discuss the challenges facing the industry and the importance of sustaining existing U.S. maritime policy during the annual "Sail-In" on Capitol Hill.
More than 70 representatives from maritime labor, shipyards, shipping companies and other segments of the industry participated in a total of 117 meetings with members of the House of Representatives and Senate, as well as with congressional staff members. Key issues discussed at the meetings included cargo preference, the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program and environmental regulations affecting shipping.
The vital roles of the U.S. merchant marine in national defense and national security were discussed, as was the importance of supporting maritime programs and policies, such as the MSP and U.S.-flag cargo preference, which are critical for keeping U.S. mariners working in times of peace so that they are available when called upon for sealift operations in times of conflict and crisis.
Members of Congress were also urged to join the bipartisan Congressional Maritime Caucus, which is co-chaired by Congressmen David Joyce (R-OH) and Cedric Richmond (D-LA).
American Maritime Officers and American Maritime Officers Service are co-sponsors of the event and were represented by AMO member Captain Robert Lansden; AMO National Vice President, Great Lakes, John Clemons; AMO National Assistant Vice President, Government Relations, Christian Spain; AMO Legislative Consultant John Rothrock; and AMOS Legislative Consultant Brenda Otterson.
Maritime policy in focus during Congressional Sail-In on Capitol Hill
On June 14, representatives of all sectors of the U.S. maritime industry joined together to meet with congressional lawmakers and discuss the challenges facing the industry and the importance of sustaining existing U.S. maritime policy during the annual "Sail-In" on Capitol Hill.
More than 70 representatives from maritime labor, shipyards, shipping companies and other segments of the industry participated in a total of 117 meetings with members of the House of Representatives and Senate, as well as with congressional staff members. Key issues discussed at the meetings included cargo preference, the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program and environmental regulations affecting shipping.
The vital roles of the U.S. merchant marine in national defense and national security were discussed, as was the importance of supporting maritime programs and policies, such as the MSP and U.S.-flag cargo preference, which are critical for keeping U.S. mariners working in times of peace so that they are available when called upon for sealift operations in times of conflict and crisis.
Members of Congress were also urged to join the bipartisan Congressional Maritime Caucus, which is co-chaired by Congressmen David Joyce (R-OH) and Cedric Richmond (D-LA).
American Maritime Officers and American Maritime Officers Service are co-sponsors of the event and were represented by AMO member Captain Robert Lansden; AMO National Vice President, Great Lakes, John Clemons; AMO National Assistant Vice President, Government Relations, Christian Spain; AMO Legislative Consultant John Rothrock; and AMOS Legislative Consultant Brenda Otterson.