Following several months of negotiations, conferees from the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have agreed on the Fiscal Year 2004 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1588), which includes the Maritime Security Act of 2003.The Maritime Security Act of 2003 will extend the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP) for an additional 10 years beyond its current 2005 expiration. Additionally, the new MSP increases the number of participants from 47 ships to 60. It also provides financial assistance to construct five militarily useful tankers in U.S. shipyards.
The next step in the legislative process is for the Senate and House of Representatives to give final approval to H.R. 1588.
Printer Friendly Page