Letter to Richard E. Neal, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee - Matsui Calls on Congress to Oppose Cruise Industry Bailout

Letter

Dear Chairman Neal and Chairman DeFazio,

I write today to voice my strong opposition to any bailout or funding package directed to the cruise industry in response to the Coronavirus pandemic. As we work to collectively address this public health crisis, we should be focusing all available federal resources on preventing harm to American families, not supporting foreign-owned businesses.

Given the speed and severity of the spread of the Coronavirus, our federal response must be urgent, coordinated, and comprehensive. While active containment measures are being taken to slow the rate of transmission across the country, it is clear that the effects of this outbreak will be widespread and require a sustained response. Many Americans are or may soon be struggling to get tested, receive care, pay rent, purchase medications, and other simple necessities. In the face of this crisis, our principal obligation is to ensure their wellbeing. Federal resources directed to the cruise industry that could otherwise support our federal containment strategy will mean fewer tests, ventilators, emergency leave, and food security initiatives for Americans.

Unlike American families, corporations that operate foreign-flagged vessels do not pay taxes in the United States. This industry has enjoyed significant profits without paying federal taxes that support agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Food and Drug Administration that are crucial components in our fight against the Coronavirus. Additionally, pervasive safety and medical shortcomings on vessels have caused numerous Americans harm. I worked on a bipartisan basis to pass the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act in 2010 to strengthen crime reporting and video surveillance requirements, improve medical standards, and hold cruise lines responsible for deaths, sexual assaults, and violent crimes at sea. This Congress, I reintroduced the bipartisan Cruise Passenger Protection Act to further strengthen passenger safety on cruise ships. Specifically, the bill would ensure a physician is always present and that a sufficient number of qualified medical staff are on board to treat passengers. These measures would be especially helpful in addressing the spread of similar outbreaks in the future.

While we have made progress, more must be done to implement safeguards that protect families and give people piece of mind that when they board a cruise ship they will be safe. However, directing federal funding to the cruise industry during a public health crisis will not slow the spread of the Coronavirus nor advance passenger safety.

I look forward to working with you to on these important issues and appreciate your attention to this matter.

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