Sen. Cruz Advances Legislative Priorities for the Texas A&M Maritime Academy and the Gulf Region

Press Release

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, participated in a Committee markup today where he discussed the challenges facing the Texas A&M Maritime Academy which has been operating for more than a decade without a sufficient training ship. The lack of a sufficient ship has limited the number of cadets that can receive training and serve the growing needs of the Gulf region. Sen. Cruz secured a provision in the Maritime Authorization and Enhancement Act for Fiscal Year 2019 requiring vessel sharing among state maritime academies to ensure that all cadets are able to receive proper training at sea so they are qualified to support U.S. waterborne commerce and our national security.

"I commend Chairman Thune and Senator Fischer for including my provision in the Maritime Authorization and Enhancement Act for Fiscal Year 2019 that will require vessel sharing among state maritime academies to ensure that all cadets receive proper training at sea so they are qualified to support U.S. waterborne commerce and our national security," Sen. Cruz said. "While this provision provides a short-term solution for the at-sea training needs of our cadets in the Gulf region, the State of Texas still needs a suitable ship that has the capability to meet the long-term needs of the Gulf region."

Sen. Cruz also stressed the need for the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) to work with Congress to address the long-term maritime needs of Texas A&M, the State of Texas and the Gulf region.

"It is my expectation that MARAD Administrator, Rear Admiral Mark Buzby, will work directly with my office and this Committee to swiftly resolve this issue in a manner that solves the unique needs of the Gulf region without compromising the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel Program."

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