US Cruise Passenger Consumer Rights Bill Introduced to House
Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), the Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, has introduced H.R. 3475, the Cruise Vessel Consumer Confidence Act of 2013, which authorizes the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to provide oversight and to investigate deceptive practices and unfair competition relating to cruise vessel passenger travel. The Bill also requires the cruise line industry to make disclosures, provide timely information to passengers, provide for the physical needs of passengers, and reimburse passengers that are delayed for more than 24 hours. Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento, CA) is an original cosponsor of the bill.
Bill Amended to Address PVA Concerns
On Tuesday, November 17, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009, sponsored by Representative Doris Matsui of California (H.R. 3360). The vote was 416-4. The House also included this legislation as title IX of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010. The legislation addresses crime against and safety risks to passengers on large oceangoing cruise ships. Over the past few years, there has been substantial publicity about crimes committed against American passengers on international cruise ships. Other instances have involved passengers who have disappeared overboard. As introduced…
Cummings: Oversight of Safety on Cruise Ships Will Continue
U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, led the Subcommittee in conducting a hearing on crimes against Americans on cruise ships following a request made by U.S. Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA). Witnesses included representatives of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Coast Guard, a representative of a victims' rights advocacy group, a former cruise passenger, and representatives of the cruise industry and individual cruise lines. "We convened this hearing today to understand the extent of crimes against Americans on cruise ships, to understand how these crimes are investigated and prosecuted…
