Congressman Cohen Fights to Save the Delta Queen

Press Release

Congressman Cohen Fights to Save the Delta Queen

Today, Congressman Steve Cohen's (TN-09) efforts to save the famed Delta Queen Riverboat stalled in the House of Representatives. He voted for a Motion to Recommit H.R. 2830, which would have amended the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act to extend the Delta Queen exemption, but it failed adoption by a vote of 195-208. Congressman Cohen is also a cosponsor of H.R. 3852, a bill which would extend the Delta Queen exemption for an additional 10 years. Congressman Steve Chabot (OH-01) sponsored the bill and today's motion to recommit, and he and Congressman Cohen have pledged to fight on to ensure that the Delta Queen survives.

"I was very disappointed that for the first time in 40 years, this body has yet to include language to grant the historic Delta Queen a special exemption from certain Coast Guard fire safety requirements," explained Congressman Cohen. "Operating under this exemption, which has been renewed on at least six separate occasions, the Delta Queen has compiled an impeccable safety record, without a single incident due to fire. It has installed the latest in fire prevention, detection and suppression technology to ensure the safety of its crew and passengers."

He added, "The Delta Queen has been a vital part of the local tourist industry in Memphis as well as countless cities and towns along the Mississippi River for as long as I can remember. It has attracted countless visitors to the Delta for generations and still has the magnetism and fortitude to continue its voyages for generations to come. I will continue to fight in the Congress to see that the Delta Queen stays afloat."

After the Motion to Recommit failed, Congressman Cohen voted in favor of H.R. 2830, the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act, which authorizes $8.4 billion for 47,000 active duty personnel by the end of FY 2008, 1,500 more than last authorized in FY 2006.

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