USA Maritime conveys support for nomination of Pete Buttigieg for Secretary of Transportation

The following letter was sent to Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Roger Wicker (R-MS) - Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation - by USA Maritime, a coalition of which American Maritime Officers and American Maritime Officers Service are members.

On behalf of the undersigned United States-flag shipping companies, American maritime labor organizations and related maritime associations belonging to the USA Maritime Coalition, I am writing to convey our support for the nomination of Secretary of Transportation-designee Mayor Pete Buttigieg to serve as Secretary of Transportation.

The challenges facing United States-flag shipping companies are significant, ranging from the impact of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic on our ability to support America's economic and military security to the increasing threat posed by the aggressive competition from the People's Republic of China as it expands its maritime presence throughout the world. These challenges require immediate and meaningful responses from our government and call for a Secretary of Transportation who will reflect President Biden's position that the "U.S.-flag merchant marine and the men and women who operate U.S.-flag ships are crucial to America's national security, our international trade relationships, and economic development."

We urge your Committee to move favorably on his nomination and we call on the Senate to quickly confirm Mayor Pete Buttigieg's nomination as Secretary of Transportation.