Rep. Carl: 'We must do all we can to strengthen our fleet and support our mariners'

The following speech by Congressman Jerry Carl (R-AL) was entered into the Congressional Record on November 15, 2021.

SUPPORTING THE U.S. FLAGGED FLEET

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the U.S. flagged merchant fleet and the men and women of the U.S. merchant marine who work every day to support our military and our nation. We are now seeing firsthand how important maritime transportation is to our supply chain and the health of our economy.

Our U.S. flagged fleet responds when called upon to aid in disasters and emergencies, moves critical government and military cargo around the world, and carries essential humanitarian aid to help people in need across the globe.

Madam Speaker, programs like the Maritime Security Program and the Tanker Security Program enjoy bipartisan support in Congress because they help ensure we retain both a strong commercial maritime capability that enhances our national security and a critical military capability should we need it in times of conflict. We must do all we can to strengthen our fleet and support our mariners.