Today, Congressman William J. Jefferson announced that his proposed "tonnage tax" provision and three other provisions that will benefit Louisiana were included in the final version of a corporate tax bill that the House approved today. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the final conference report of the House and Senate bills designed to adjust corporate taxes. The "tonnage tax" provision is touted as benefitting United States-flag vessel owners such as Central Gulf Lines, Inc., Waterman Steamship Corporation, and other American maritime companies headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, engaging in international trade by preserving and enhancing maritime employment opportunities for United States seafarers from Louisiana and elsewhere around the country.