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Kay Bailey Hutchison News

24 Jun 2010

Senator Cornyn Supports Jones Act Waiver Request

Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) sent a letter to Admiral Thad Allen on June 22 supporting Allegiance Capital's request for a waiver of the Jones Act. For more than two weeks, Fred McCallister, Vice President of the Dallas-based investment bank, has been requesting a waiver of the Jones Act in order to bring boats from Europe to U.S. waters to assist in the Gulf oil spill clean-up. Allegiance Capital has available 12 to 25 oil skimming vessels as well as several ships for boom deployment and the housing of volunteers and rescue workers. The Coast Guard-compliant ships are currently sitting idle. According to Allegiance Capital Vice President Fred McCallister, bringing foreign vessels to help with the clean-up effort can provide American workers with jobs.

23 Jun 2010

Hutchison Calls for Emergency Waiver to Jones Act

On June 17, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor calling for an emergency waiver of the Jones Act, which requires many foreign vessels to go through a lengthy bureaucratic approval process in order to assist with the oil cleanup effort in the Gulf of Mexico. Sen. Hutchison, who is the Ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said she will introduce legislation to temporarily waive the Jones Act to allow foreign marine vessels to help with the cleanup. This extended waiver would be applied for a period of time that is necessary to respond and restore the waters of the Gulf.

20 Apr 2010

Levin, Stabenow Bill to Improve Harbors, Ports

U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., introduced legislation that would ensure funding for federal ports and harbors across the nation. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., is an original co-sponsor of the bill. If enacted, the bill would help ensure that all revenue collected by the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund (HMTF) would be used for its intended purpose: to properly maintain and operate harbors and ports. The bill has broad bipartisan and multi-regional support, with four Democrats and four Republicans sponsoring the legislation at the time of its introduction. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, is the lead Republican co-sponsor of the bill.

05 Mar 2008

Senator Byrd Named Port Person Of The Year

U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) will be honored as the American Association of Port Authorities' (AAPA) "Port Person of the Year" at the port association's annual Washington People's Luncheon on April 1 in Washington, D.C.'s historic Willard Inter-Continental Hotel. AAPA - a trade organization representing the leading public ports in the Western Hemisphere - selected Sen. Byrd to receive its most prestigious annual award based on his strong advocacy in Congress for increasing cargo and facility security at America's seaports. In addition to receiving the "Port Person" award, Sen. Byrd will serve as the luncheon's keynote speaker. During his remarks…

04 Mar 2004

AAPA to Honor Senator Murray

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has been selected as Port Person of the Year by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the organization representing public ports throughout the Western Hemisphere. It is AAPA's most prestigious annual award, honoring an individual whose outstanding work or service has made a significant contribution to public port authorities and/or maritime commerce. The award will be presented to Senator Murray on March 23 at 8:30 a.m. during AAPA's annual Spring Conference, held at the Washington, D.C. Park Hyatt Hotel. The Port of Seattle, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the Port of Tacoma nominated Murray for the Port Person of the Year honor, which was ultimately decided by AAPA's Executive Committee upon review of all nominations.

09 Mar 2004

Senator Murray Selected as AAPA Port Person of the Year

U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) has been selected as Port Person of the Year by the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), the organization representing public ports throughout the Western Hemisphere. AAPA’s annual award, honors an individual whose outstanding work or service has made a significant contribution to public port authorities and/or maritime commerce. The award will be presented to Senator Murray on March 23 during AAPA’s annual Spring Conference, held at the Washington, D.C. Park Hyatt Hotel. The Port of Seattle, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the Port of Tacoma nominated Murray for the Port Person of the Year honor, which was ultimately decided by AAPA’s Executive Committee upon review of all nominations.

19 May 2004

Towing Vessel Inspection Proposal Advances

A bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 30 that encompasses the policy provisions of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2005 legislative package, including a proposal that would establish a new inspection program for the towing industry. The bill, entitled the Maritime Transportation Amendments of 2004 (H.R. 4251), was quickly slated for action. On May 6, the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, chaired by Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), convened a hearing on the authorization measure. During his opening remarks, Chairman LoBiondo stated, “Since the establishment of the Coast Guard, one of the Service’s primary duties has been to promote and protect the safety of life and property at sea. H.R.

20 Jul 2004

Laura Bush to Christen Texas Submarine

775) will take place at Northrop Grumman Corporation's Newport News sector on Saturday, July 31. Laura Bush, First Lady of the United States, is the ship's sponsor and will christen the ship named for her native state. U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison(R-TX), will be the keynote speaker for the ceremony. Angeles-class submarine, Cheyenne. delegation; U.S. "Skip" Bowman; Vice Admiral Kirk H. Donald, U.S. Boat President John Casey. the pre-commissioning unit of the Texas and their families, U.S. personnel, and government officials. War environment. supremacy well into the 21st century. July 12, 2002 and it is schedule to be delivered to the Navy in 2005. Boat to build the first 10 ships of the Virginia class.

04 Aug 2004

Submarine Texas Christened at Newport News

First Lady Laura Bush smashed a bottle of champagne to christen the Navy’s newest nuclear-powered submarine Texas (SSN 775) in front of a cheering crowd of 4,500 people at Newport News shipyard July 31. Secretary of the Navy Gordon England joined a number of dignitaries, including Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas, who delivered the ceremony’s principal address. “It is entirely fitting that USS Texas will become the latest bulwark, and one of the most powerful, in our arsenal of democracy,” said Hutchison. “When she sets sail, she will do so with 22 million Texans and our nation’s First Lady at her side. Mr. Named to honor the 28th state admitted to the union, Texas is the fourth ship of the U.S. Navy to carry the name since the original Texas was commissioned in 1895.

08 Jan 2002

Port Security Meeting Scheduled for Friday

Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and John Breaux (D-La.) will hold a U.S. materials transportation at the University of Houston Law Center at 1:30 p.m. C.S.T., Friday, Jan. 11, 2002. Coast Guard and U.S. Customs officials. Prior to the hearing, at 11 a.m. Sam Houston (owned and operated by the Port of Houston Authority). tour, the vessel will dock back at the San Jacinto Battleground, and Sens. Hutchison and Breaux will be available to speak to media at 11:30 a.m. C.S.T. http://www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom/hearing.htm.

27 Feb 2002

Zoellick and Bonner To Speak at AAPA Conference

U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Robert B. Zoellick and U.S.Customs Commissioner Robert C. Spring Conference meeting on Tuesday, March 19, at the Washington Court Hotel in Washington, D.C. Ambassador Zoellick will receive AAPA's Port Person of the Year Award and will provide the keynote address at 8:30 a.m. on March 19. Commissioner Bonner will be the featured speaker during the Annual "Washington People's Luncheon" from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. He is expected to address seaport security issues during his remarks. AAPA's Port Person of the Year Award is presented annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to the port industry. opening markets abroad and maintaining an open-market policy within the U.S. maritime transportation.

28 Jul 1999

Jones Act Reform Legislation Reintroduced

Senators Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), Jesse Helms (R-N.C.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Richard Lugar (R-Ind.), Conrad Burns (R-Mont.) and Peter Fitzgerald (R-Ill.) reintroduced legislation (S.1032) designed to reform the U.S.-build requirement of the Jones Act. This bill, similar to the one introduced by Brownback last summer, would allow foreign-built dry- and liquid-bulk oceangoing self-propelled ships over 1,000 tons to ply the U.S. Coastwise trade under U.S. flag. The U.S. ownership, manning and registration (flagging) requirements would remain in place. The bill comes during a time of much activity and debate regarding Jones Act reform. Recently…

28 Jul 1999

Oil Producers Left Out of Emergency Spending Bill

U.S. Senate and House negotiators have left out several programs in a nearly $15 billion emergency spending bill that would have helped U.S. oil and natural gas producers. While language was left in the spending measure to delay new royalty valuation rules on crude oil production, lawmakers rejected separate programs to provide emergency loans and other royalty relief to small oil and natural producers. Negotiators also turned down a proposal to allow natural gas producers to forgo paying hundreds of millions of dollars in interest due on refunds to customers. The original intent of the emergency spending bill, which will be voted on by the full Congress and then sent to President Clinton for his approval, was to provide money to fight the war in Yugoslavia. Oil Royalties: Sen.

28 Jul 1999

MarAd Authorization Clears Committee

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and transportation approved by voice vote, a bill to authorize appropriations for the Maritime Administration for FY 00. A subsititute to S.937, the Maritime Administration Authorization Act for FY 00, was offered by Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), chair of the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee. Sen. Hutchison introduced the original bill, which authorized appropriations for FY 00 and FY 01. Codify existing regulations regarding Title XI, by permitting the secretary of transportation to accept the hold in escrow a portion of the proceeds of guaranteed funds during the construction period of a vessel.

18 Jun 2002

Port of Corpus Christi Receives Security Grant

The Port of Corpus Christi received notification of a $2.27 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Congress provided funding for the grant program to the newly created Transportation Security Administration (TSA), now responsible for security. Port Commission Chairman Ruben Bonilla said, “The Port of Corpus Christi applauds Congress’ recognition of seaport security issues. Seaports are a vital asset to the U.S. economy. “ The funds awarded today will be used for security enhancements for the Southside and Northside of the Corpus Christi Ship Channel, known as the Inner Harbor. The Inner Harbor, is one of the port’s most vital economic engines with approximately seven of the port’s major industries,” said Bonilla.

21 Mar 2007

AAPA Selects Panama's President as Port Person of the Year

At its annual Spring Conference yesterday, the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) announced the selection of Panama President Martin Torrijos as the association’s “Port Person of the Year” for his leadership in promoting maritime commerce. Specifically, President Torrijos is being honored for his efforts to spearhead the US$5.5 billion project to expand the 92-year-old Panama Canal, and to promote continued development of Panama’s seaports. “The Panama Canal expansion will have a profound effect on United States, Canadian, South American and Caribbean maritime businesses and will help facilitate the movement of the dramatic increases in global trade expected in the coming years,” said AAPA President and CEO Kurt Nagle.

24 Mar 2006

AAPA: Congress Must Enhance Security, Promote Int'l Trade

Representatives of public seaports in the United States this week urged Congress to pass legislation that enhances port security without punishing international businesses that operate marine terminals domestically and overseas. Responding to recent concerns about foreign investment and management of U.S. marine terminals, the members of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) affirmed the crucial role played by ports in America’s economy and warned against recent legislative proposals that could lead to severe economic and trade consequences. “While the nation’s attention is focused on the important contributions of ports, AAPA is calling on Congress to strengthen the public-private partnership to thwart terrorism at America’s ports,” said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO.

13 Jan 2006

Navy Commissions Amphibious Transport Dock Ship San Antonio

Sailors man the rails of the amphibious transport dock USS San Antonio (LPD 17) as it arrives at her new homeport of Naval Station Norfolk. San Antonio is the lead ship in the Navy’s newest amphibious transport dock-class of ships. She is scheduled to stay at Naval Station Norfolk for the holidays and then sail to Ingleside, Texas for her commissioning ceremony, Jan. 14, 2006. U.S. Navy photo by Journalist Seaman Apprentice Charles A. The U.S. Navy will commission the USS San Antonio, lead ship of the latest class of amphibious ships, at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 14, at Naval Station Ingleside, Texas. Former President George H. W. Bush will deliver the ceremony’s principal address. Sen. Capt. Jonathan M.

05 Dec 2005

LPD-17 Ready for Commissioning

technologically-advanced and sailor-friendly U.S. shipyard on Saturday morning, Dec. strategy. "This ship represents the future of our U.S. sector. the expeditionary force. continued. amphibious ships. U.S. Marine Corps expeditionary fighting vehicles. greatly improves quality of life at sea for the sailors and marines. horizontally or sit up vertically to read or write. 40 percent more storage space than other berths. Grumman Ship Systems. Sen. Ingleside, Texas, on Jan. 14. Capt. Jonathan M. Salt Lake City, is San Antonio's commanding officer. years of naval service," said Capt. Padfield. been dreaming about and looking forward to for years. function with 21st-century technology. and the first five are under contract. New Orleans, and Pascagoula and Gulfport, Miss.

23 Jul 2003

Northrop Grumman Christens San Antonio

Saturday, July 19, 2003, at the company's Avondale operations near New Orleans. Hundreds of guests and employees attended the traditional dockside ceremony. transport dock ships being built for the U.S. Navy by Northrop Grumman. Gen. Michael W. Hagee, commandant of the U.S. principal address at the ceremony. San Antonio. The ship's sponsor was U.S. from Texas who christened the vessel. Hutchison. Currently, the ship is more than 75 percent complete. and start powering up the ship's systems. commissioned for U.S. Marines. mission. major components and large assemblies for the ship. on San Antonio," said Dr. Ronald D. president of Northrop Grumman Corporation. and LST 1179 classes of amphibious ships. Intergraph Corporation and vendors in 36 states.

16 Jul 2003

Northrop Grumman to Christen Amphibious Ship

ships being built for the U.S. Navy, during a 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19, 2003. Operations, alongside the Mississippi River near New Orleans, La. Antonio, Texas. Hutchison, U.S. senator, State of Texas. Mrs. Trisha Wilson and Mrs. Peggy Carr, both of Dallas, and Mrs. breaks a bottle of Texas sparkling wine across the new ship's bow. Gen. Michael W. Hagee, Commandant of the U.S. will deliver the principal christening address. Landrieu, U.S. Jefferson, U.S. Hansford T. Johnson, acting secretary of the Navy; Rear Adm. Charles S. Hamilton II, Program Executive Officer, Ships; Capt. John R. USN, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, Conversion & Repair, New Orleans; Dr. Ronald D. Sugar, CEO and president of Northrop Grumman Corporation; Dr. Philip A. Grumman Ship Systems; and George R.

14 Jul 2003

Amphibious Ship San Antonio to be Christened

The lead ship of the Navy’s newest class of amphibious warship, San Antonio (LPD 17), will be christened during ceremonies July 19 at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems Avondale Operations in New Orleans. Gen. Michael W. Hagee, commandant of the Marine Corps, will deliver the ceremony's principal address. U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison of Texas will serve as ship's sponsor. In the time-honored Navy tradition, Hutchison will break a bottle of champagne across the bow to formally christen the ship, named for the city of San Antonio, Texas. San Antonio is the first surface ship ever designed in "virtual reality,” using computer modeling to design most of the ship before any steel was cut.

06 Aug 1999

McCain Bill Promotes Cruise Ship Tourism Between U.S. Ports

Senator John McCain (R-AZ), Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, introduced the U.S. Cruise Ship Tourism Development Act of 1999. Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Frank Murkowski (R-AK) are original co-sponsors. "Allowing cruise ships to travel between U.S. ports will be a huge victory for port cities, the cruise ship industry, and create great traveling options for the public," McCain said. "The status quo is not serving anyone's interest. The bill, which also permits, under specific and limited circumstances, non-U.S. flag cruise vessels to temporarily operate in the U.S., would allow the Secretary of Transportation to issue permits to cruise ships already operating in other markets, to operate in the U.