Senate Passes Fischer-Booker Amdt. to Reauthorize MARAD

Press Release

Yesterday afternoon, the U.S. Senate passed an amendment offered by Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) to reauthorize the Maritime Administration (MARAD) at the U.S. Department of Transportation for fiscal years (FY) 2016 and 2017 as an amendment to the NDAA. The bill corrects ambiguities related to policies of the Merchant Marine Academy and its state maritime academy affiliates, makes technical corrections, and authorizes a National Security Multi-Mission Vessel Design program. This reauthorization follows the tradition of being included within the NDAA.

Senator Fischer released the following statement regarding the amendment's passage:

"America's commercial shippers provide vital services in support of our nation's economy and transportation system needs. This amendment will allow our merchant mariners to continue their work while supporting our military in times of war and national security. I was happy Senator Booker joined me to introduce this important legislation."

Senator Booker released the following statement regarding the amendment's passage:

"The Maritime Administration preserves our waterway transportation networks, promotes freight movement and economic growth, and bolsters our nation's military operations and disaster relief efforts that provide critical support to emergency response teams such as those that worked in New Jersey during Superstorm Sandy. I'm pleased that Senator Fischer and I were able to help ensure its passage."

On May 14, 2015, the Senate Commerce Committee passed a bill offered by Senators Deb Fischer and Cory Booker to reauthorize MARAD, known as the Maritime Administration Enhancement Act of 2015. On June 8, 2015, this bill was introduced as S. Amdt. 1825 to be part of the final NDAA bill on the Senate floor.

MARAD's mission is to foster, promote, and develop the merchant maritime industry of the United States. It is also a key component of protecting U.S. national security, and supports our military in times of war or national emergency. In addition, MARAD maintains a National Defense Reserve Fleet of cargo ships to support military shipping operations during times of war and national emergency. For example, during the Korean War, nearly 540 reserve fleet vessels were activated to support military forces.

MARAD also provides important services to our transportation system and the nation's overall economy. The Maritime Administration promotes port infrastructure development and oversees congestion mitigation to help ensure the efficient flow of goods throughout our nation's ports.

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