Page 18: of Marine News Magazine (July 2013)

OP/EDCOLUMNthe global commons, our merchant mariners are truly a ? rst line of defense, not only transporting economically essential goods and services, but acting as the watchful eyes and ears of security in these vital areas. ? Environmental standards, liability, safety, and en- forcement are improved by having American-owned vessels and U.S. citizen-crews responsible for safely delivering the goods along our nations waterways. Our hope for the future lies in ensuring that the White House will, with the support of the new team at DOT and MARAD, immediately work for creation and implemen- tation of this historic maritime planning team. We have strong supporters in Congress with Subcommittee Chair- man Duncan Hunter Jr. and Rep. John Garamendi who have voiced support for the Jones Act as an integral part of our national defense strategy and the maritime indus-try as a whole. Others such as Congressmen Dan Young, Nick Rahall, Elijah Cummings, and Scot Rigell have been staunch advocates of reversing cuts as a result of changes to U.S. Cargo preference statutes. It is up to us to encourage Congress to support and work ever more closely with leaders of the American maritime industry to create THE? comprehensive maritime strategy and pass legislation that will not only support, but also spur further growth in our industry. History has shown us what can happen when stakeholders come together, roll up their sleeves and work toward feasible solutions. Since the Mari- time Security Program ? eet was established by the Mari- time Security Act of 1996, the ? eet has expanded to include 60 U.S. ? agged, privately owned, militarily useful vessels. The American maritime industry is much too valuable to be allowed to be any less than the worlds leader. The time to act is now. I encourage the leadership of the U.S. maritime industry, Congress and the White House, as well as other stakeholders and my fellow educators, to create a comprehensive and long-lasting maritime policy and legis- lation focused on promoting economic growth by encour- aging domestic ship building, providing opportunity for international and domestic commerce, securing our ports, and working to ensure that we are training and educating tomorrows maritime industry leaders. 18 MNJuly 2013MN July2013 Layout 18-31.indd 186/27/2013 12:59:38 PM