Annual Maritime Sail-In Promotes Industry to Lawmakers
SIU officials, members and staff eagerly participated in this year’s record-breaking Congressional Sail-In event, which took place on April 8. Over 140 members of the maritime industry met with Congressional members and their staffers and discussed the most pressing issues presently facing Seafarers.
Participating from the SIU: President David Heindel; Executive Vice President Augustin Tellez; Vice Presidents George Tricker, Nick Marrone, Dean Corgey, Joseph Soresi and Joe Vincenzo; Political and Legislative Director Brian Schoeneman; Assistant Vice Presidents Todd Brdak, Amancio Crespo, Ray Henderson and Michael Russo; and Port Agent Mario Torrey.
Additionally, the SIU was fully represented this year by the following members: Third Mate Lindsey Austin; Recertified Bosuns Billy Hill, Juan Ruiz-Manaiza, Redentor Borja, Ryan Scott, Roy Madrio and Kelly Doyle; Recertified Stewards Dylan Faile, Raul Napoles, Roberto Coronado, Aurelio Esperanza, Matthew Conyac, and George Egbert. This marked the first time a large number of rank-and-file members joined the officials in the meetings, providing their unique perspectives as working mariners during the discussions.
“I’m grateful to represent the working seafarer and the union at our nation’s capital,” said Austin. “Our union works diligently on political activities to protect our jobs now, and to secure our jobs for the future American seafarers. During Sail-In, we got the opportunity to speak with state representatives on important topics like the Tanker Security Program, Maritime Security Program, Food for Peace, the SHIPS for America Act and the Jones Act.”
The meetings concluded with a reception for participants and guests, which this year included Senator Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), and Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-California), John Garamendi (D-California) and Rick Larsen (D-Washington). During the reception, Sen. Kelly and Rep. Garamendi were present to accept the USA Maritime Leadership Award, which was awarded to the five cosponsors of the SHIPS for America Act (Kelly, Garamendi, Senator Todd Young (R-Indiana), Congressman Trent Kelly (R-Mississippi) and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz).
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