[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 6] [Senate] [Pages 8487-8488] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS ______ MARITIME ADMINISTRATION AUTHORIZATION ACT Mr. HOLLINGS. Mr. President, it is with pleasure that I join Chairman McCain and Senators Hutchison and Inouye to introduce the Maritime Administration Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2000. This legislation is critical for the continuation of a modern commercial fleet owned and operated by U.S. citizens and crewed by American seafarers. It also ensures America's economic competitiveness and national security. The Maritime Administration (MARAD) reauthorization continues very important programs, and is a much broader piece of legislation than in past years. For example, it provides the funding for the Title XI Loan Guarantee Program, a truly national and international program. Title XI shipowners, their operation and their supplier base, cover almost every state in this country. Title XI has been vital in assisting our shipyards in competing internationally. U.S. shipyards are attracting foreign interests and winning orders for many vessel types. The bill also contains technical amendments to the Title XI program which will save time and money for both the Government and those applying for a loan guarantee. It also provides the funds for the operation of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, New York and continuing assistance to six State maritime academies. These students are the future of country and our merchant marine. This bill also recognizes the importance of the merchant marine to our national security by its support for the recently-enacted Maritime Security Program (MSP), a modern commercial fleet available to provide critical support to the Department of Defense during war or national emergency. This year's reauthorization also contains provisions which aim to strengthen our U.S.-flag fleet through a much needed infusion of new tonnage by eliminating the three-year wait that a newly-registered bulk or breakbulk vessel must currently wait to carry preference cargo. This opportunity, which would end in one year or upon enactment of the OECD Shipbuilding Agreement, would not just improve the vessel profile of this fleet, but also add U.S. jobs> Vessels allowed to enter the preference trade would be required to perform shipyard repairs and other work necessary to bring them up to U.S.-flag standards in our own U.S. shipyards. Funding is also provided for two new programs, enacted by the last Congress. Under the American Fisheries Act, MARAD will determine compliance with citizenship standards for certain fishing vessels, assisting in proper management and conservation of an important natural resource of our country. The agency is also developing a uniform process for the administrative waiver of the U.S.-built requirement for participation in the Jones Act trade for certain small passenger vessels, so that specific legislation need not be sought each time such a waiver is needed. Mr. President, MARAD's FY 2000 budget recognizes the importance of sealift readiness and a strong U.S.-flag fleet. It acknowledges the need for a [[Page 8488]] healthy shipbuilding industry and also provides for the education of our youth. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. ____________________