AMO Currents - SEAS Act introduced in 113th Congress

AMO Currents - Posted: May 1, 2013

SEAS Act introduced in 113th Congress

Congressmen Elijah Cummings (D-MD) and Scott Rigell (R-VA) April 24 announced the introduction of the Saving Essential American Sailors (SEAS) Act in the 113th Congress. This legislation (H.R. 1678) would repeal Section 100124 of the MAP-21 legislation enacted last year, which reduced from 75 percent to 50 percent the portion of U.S. food aid required to be carried on U.S.-flagged vessels.

"The senseless cuts made to the cargo preference program in MAP-21 dealt another blow to an already battered U.S. merchant marine. It is essential that these cuts be reversed and that we begin implementing policies that will strengthen our merchant marine by increasing the cargoes carried on U.S.-flagged vessels," Rep. Cummings said.

"Our region, indeed, our national economy, depends on a robust American shipping industry, and we must protect those jobs," said Rep. Rigell, who represents part of the Hampton Roads region and serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Committee on the Budget. "Further, we should not have to depend on foreign owned vessels to deliver cargo to our troops overseas. This legislation will ensure we keep Americans employed while defending the good men and women who are defending our freedom around the world."