Copyright 2001 Journal of Commerce, Inc.  
Journal of Commerce - JoC Online
April 27, 2001
SECTION: OCEAN TRANSPORTATION and PORTS/INTERMODAL; Pg.WP

LENGTH: 231 words

HEADLINE: House leader calls for reauthorization of MSP

BYLINE: BY CHRIS DUPIN - JOC ONLINE

BODY:
Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Calif., chairman of the Merchant Marine Panel of the House Armed Services Committee, is calling for reauthorization of the Maritime Security Program (MSP), but says he would oppose any proposal that would allow modification of U.S. ownership and control requirements.Authorization of the MSP expires in September 2005. Hunter says Congress needs to "move forward with the reauthorization of the MSP. This would provide the industry with the timely assurance they need that the MSP will continue beyond the year 2005."

In a statement printed in today's Congressional Record, Hunter says, "I am concerned over rumors that U.S. citizenship requirements for this program could be modified. I strongly believe that reauthorization of the MSP program must ensure that current United States citizenship requirements continue to apply for operators of U.S.-flagged, U.S. crewed commercial vessels.

The MSP program now requires that priority be given to MSP vessel operators that are owned and controlled by U.S. citizens. Such U.S.-ownership and U.S.-control requirements are critical to the continued viability of the MSP program and must be preserved, Hunter said.

MSP, established by the Maritime Security Act of 1996, authorizes $100 million annually. Today 47 U.S.-flagged commercial vessels, crewed by U.S. citizens, participate in the MSP program.

LOAD-DATE: April 30, 2001