In a span of less than five weeks, the United
States Congress recently held two hearings about some of
the most critical issues facing the U.S. Merchant
Marine.
The first hearing took place June 13 and focused on
the threat of runaway flag vessels to our national
security.
The second was conducted July 16, and that inquiry
dealt with a future extension and expansion of the
Maritime Security Program (MSP). The SIU testified at
both sessions, which were called by the House Special
Oversight Panel on the Merchant Marine, part of the
Armed Services Committee.
Particularly in an industry as heavily regulated as
ours, those hearings shouldn’t be taken for granted.
They potentially represent important first steps in
tackling two major concerns. The fact that the hearings
even were called in the first place shows that Congress
is serious about examining these issues.
For Seafarers, the hearings also should serve as
reminders that political action remains a must. It has
been that way since our founding in 1938. Today,
practically everything in our industry is subject to one
law or another—crew size, cabotage, documentation, port
state control, vessel structure, you name it.
Those of you who have sailed with us for several
years know what I mean. Issues have a way of resurfacing
in different forums long after we’ve first dealt with
them. That’s why the SIU always has been, and always
will be, politically active.
Along those lines, this month a new program is being
introduced to promote and reward participation in SPAD,
the union’s voluntary political action fund. Details are
on page 6. I’m proud of the SIU’s already strong
rank-and-file participation, and I encourage every
member to sign up for SPAD. Seafarers long have known
that “politics is pork chops.” Now, our members will
know “it takes a four-letter word (SPAD) to be heard!”
In a joint statement with other maritime unions, we
were heard loud and clear during last month’s MSP
hearing. We took the first opportunity to go on the
record as requesting—and strongly justifying—a greater
commitment to the program.
The maritime unions stood together to declare that
extending the program for an additional 20 years and
expanding the MSP fleet to at least 60 ships not only is
vital to America’s national and economic security, but
also may be the catalyst for the continued
revitalization of the U.S. fleet.
We have several things going for us in this effort.
One is the fact that the MSP has been economically
efficient. It has provided our government with access to
nearly 50 modern, militarily useful vessels that can
support our national security, along with the critical
infrastructure of the companies participating in the
program. The MSP also has helped maintain a pool of
skilled mariners who undoubtedly will be needed to crew
the government-owned strategic sealift ships in times of
conflict.
Another reason why our nation needs a bigger, better
MSP is the war against terrorism. The MSP was created in
the wake of the Persian Gulf War. Congress rediscovered
the value of the U.S. merchant fleet at that time.
Working with the maritime unions and industry, elected
officials produced this very important program to
revitalize our U.S.-flag fleet.
Since September 11, I believe we’ve seen a renewed
awareness on Capitol Hill of what our merchant marine
means to national security. That development would be
welcome any time, but it’s especially important
today—because our war against terrorism undoubtedly will
involve much more than what we’ve seen so far.
As anyone who follows the news has seen, there is
every indication that the United States will go to war
against Iraq in the fairly near future. It’s obvious
that the administration is committed to removing Saddam
Hussein, and history strongly suggests that our merchant
marine will be called upon.
There are many other reasons why America deserves a
broadened commitment to the MSP, and the SIU will use
every possible resource to deliver that message however
many times it takes to make such a commitment reality.
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