President Bush earlier this month issued the following statement:President Bush understands the maritime industry has long played a vital role in our nation’s commerce and defense. Safe, reliable and efficient marine transportation of goods and passengers is essential to sustaining growth in the U.S. economy and to our international trade. In time of war or national emergency, the U.S. military depends on shipping and seafarers drawn from the U.S.-flag commercial fleet to deploy our military overseas and, once deployed, to transport the supplies necessary for them to fight, and win anywhere in the world.
A strong maritime industry, however, requires more than just a U.S.-flag merchant marine capable of transporting the country’s waterborne commerce and of maintaining a U.S.-flag presence in international trade. It requires a base of trained and experienced seafarers to man those ships. It requires a shipbuilding and repair industry capable of building and repairing the vessels necessary to sustain that commerce. And it requires a national maritime infrastructure—ports, waterways and inter-modal connections—capable of handling that commerce.
To compete in the global economy of the 21st century, President Bush believes the United States needs a maritime policy tailored to 21st century needs. Programs that have contributed to the growth of our domestic fleet, such as the Jones Act, and those that guarantee inter-modal cargo lift and management services when needed in times of crisis or conflict, such as the Maritime Security Program, should be maintained. Additionally, President Bush will vigorously pursue negotiations aimed at ending international practices that disadvantage our industry.
In his second term, President Bush will seek to provide the conditions under which the American maritime industry can compete and grow in the 21st century. He will support a revitalized industry that creates jobs and is a competitive transportation option in both foreign and domestic markets.
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