U.S. maritime policy moves one step closer to reality

At a time when representatives rarely agree upon anything,  U.S. House and Senate leaders from both the Republican and Democratic Parties are jointly sponsoring a bill to establish a national maritime policy to encourage U.S.-flag shipping.

If enacted, so-called “Flags of Convenience” may be returned to the ancillary roles they were originally conceived to play in the world’s commercial marketplace.

Endorsed by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, the Coast Guard reauthorization bill will also limit Federal Maritime Commission members’ terms and reauthorize the FMC and Coast Guard budgets at current levels.

This bipartisan agreement will be considered in the House tomorrow, and lawmakers will try to bring the bill up in the Senate this week. If enacted, it will limit FMC members to two five-year terms and keep them from serving more than one year after their term expires.

More importantly, though, the legislation would advance the agenda of Maritime Administrator Paul N. “Chip” Jaenichen, who has pledged to restore the power of the U.S.-flag fleet, and reduce shipper’s dependency on foreign flags. Short-sea shipping and our ship building capacity would also be enhanced, thereby promoting national self-sufficiency and environmental protection.

Jones Act advocates have long championed restrictions on waivers from cargo preference laws, and the strengthening of enforcement cargo preference laws mandating government-financed cargo to be shipped on U.S.-flag vessels.

Finally, the bill will also provide another layer of national security by beefing up our Coast Guard, and making it more accountable for funding authorization needed to protect our homeland.

Cheers to that.