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. The bill authorizes $79.8 million for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2000, and amends the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 in the following ways: 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. Eliminate the three-year period bulk or breakbulk vessels newly registered under the U.S.-flag must wait in order to carry government-impelled cargo for a one-year period. Extend the War Risk Insurance program through June 30, 2005. The bill changes the requirement for MarAd's annual report to Congress to a biennial requirement, clairifies ownership of the vessel Jeremiah O'Brien; and required MarAd to report to Congress on the status of federal funding for maritime research and technology development.