USA Maritime and its Members Applaud Launch of Bipartisan Congressional Maritime Caucus

USA Maritime and its member organizations applauded the launch of a new bipartisan Congressional Maritime Caucus, and thanked the new Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Cedric Richmond (LA-02) and Michael G. Grimm (NY-11) for their work in helping to raise awareness about critical maritime-related issues. 

“USA Maritime is proud to welcome the new Congressional Maritime Caucus. We look forward to a strong and successful working relationship with the new Co-Chairs Cedric Richmond and Michael Grimm and the membership of the Caucus as we strive to ensure the long-term readiness of the U.S.-flag fleet,” said James L. Henry, Chairman of USA Maritime. “At a time of great budgetary uncertainty, the U.S. Merchant Marine remains committed to working with our allies in Congress and the Administration to strengthen and protect our nation’s vital sealift capacity and to ensure the safe, reliable and cost-effective delivery of essential military equipment, emergency relief supplies and food assistance around the world – whenever and wherever needed.”

“The Congressional Maritime Caucus represents a huge step forward for the maritime industry, giving us a unified and concentrated voice on Capitol Hill,” said Mike Jewell, President of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (M.E.B.A.). “This important initiative will work hand-in-glove with the grassroots Maritime Action Committees (MACs) that are already in place in numerous congressional districts across the country to spread the maritime message.”

“Without a strong peacetime U.S.-flag merchant marine, America’s troops overseas will not have the American vessels and American crews necessary to deliver the supplies they need to protect the interests of our country,” said Captain Don Marcus, President of the International Organization of Masters, Mates & Pilots (MM&P). “The men and women of the U.S. merchant marine are on the front lines every day. The Congressional Maritime Caucus will help increase awareness of the essential job they do.”

“We are pleased to see that maritime issues will be a priority in the 113th Congress,” said Clint Eisenhauer, Vice President of Government Relations at Maersk. “The U.S. Merchant Marine, and the entire shipping industry, is a vital contributor not only to the U.S. economy, but to its military and foreign aid programs, as well, and so we commend Representatives Richmond and Grimm for their efforts to ensure the strength of the nation’s sealift capacity.”