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Duncan Hunter News

31 Oct 2022

Congress, GAO Set Their Focus on Cargo Preference Fixes

© Natalia Bratslavsky / Adobe Stock

On September 14, 2022, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee (T&I Committee), Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, held a hearing which indicated a potential revitalization, and new enforcement regime, of U.S.-flag requirements under the Cargo Preference Act of 1954 (the CPA). The hearing occurred on the heels of a Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) report regarding the Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) lack of COA enforcement, with significant recommendations to revamp oversight by the agency to ensure a growing


26 Jul 2018

House Approves Save Our Seas Act

© p_gangler / Adobe Stock

New legislation approved by the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday aims to address maritime transportation safety issues raised by the El Faro sinking, promote the U.S. Coast Guard’s awareness of technologies that could help improve service mission performance, and reduce marine debris.The Save Our Seas Act (S. 756), which was approved in the House by voice vote, combines several pieces of bipartisan legislation recently approved by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.

22 Feb 2018

Military to Maritime Digital Career Platform Launched

© Idanupong / Adobe Stock

The American Maritime Partnership today announced the launch of the Military to Maritime digital career platform (www.militarytomaritime.org), which is dedicated to helping veterans find meaningful, family-wage jobs in the maritime industry while supporting America’s national and economic security. Building on the numerous Military to Maritime career fairs across the country, the enhanced digital platform connects veterans with career opportunities in the U.S. shipbuilding and


19 Jan 2018

Congressional, Maritime Leaders Support Jones Act on the Hill

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation held a hearing Wednesday on “The State of the U.S. Flag Maritime Industry” during which congressional and maritime leaders stressed the importance of the Jones Act. RADM Mark H. Mr. Mr. The Committee and those testifying expressed bipartisan support for the Jones Act and enforcement of the law. “In order for us to maintain the way of life as we know it as a nation that is secure and is able to project power, be it Navy power or commercial power, the Jones Act is intrinsic to that. Congressman Weber likewise noted the need to maintain a strong domestic maritime industry and the importance of the Jones Act.

28 Sep 2017

Reps. Hunter, Garamendi Concerned over Jones Act Waiver

(File photo: Crowley)

Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) and John Garamendi (D-CA), Chairman and Ranking Member respectively of the Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, raised concerns today over the Trump Administration’s decision to issue a 10-day waiver of the Jones Act for relief shipments into Puerto Rico. Hunter and Garamendi held a listening session Thursday morning with other members of the Maritime Transportation Committee and representatives from the American maritime industry to explore this issue in depth.

01 Jun 2017

Lax SMFF Enforcement a ‘Disaster Waiting to Happen’ -ROR

(Photo: Rapid Ocean Response Corp.)

A top U.S. Coast Guard official said at a recent congressional oversight hearing that the Coast Guard “has not been aggressively enforcing the compliance” of vessel response plans filed under federal Salvage and Marine Firefighting (SMFF) regulations. The rules, derived from the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, are meant to prevent a worst-case discharge resulting from fire or explosion aboard a vessel. “The shocking admission by the Coast Guard that it cannot, and is not, enforcing its own marine firefighting rules should be a warning to all ship owners


22 May 2017

Shipbuilders Council Names McCreary Chairman

From left to right: SCA President Matthew Paxton with Rep. Hunter and newly-elected Chairman, Richard McCreary (Photo: SCA)

Shipbuilders Council of America  names Richard McCreary as new chairman; honors Sen. Cochran and Rep. At its annual spring meeting in Washington, D.C. this week, the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), the national trade association representing the U.S. shipyard industry, named Richard McCreary of BAE Systems as the new chairman of the association. Additionally, SCA honored Sen. Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.) as recipients of its Maritime Leadership Award, recognizing the two for their demonstrated dedication and support of the U.S.

10 May 2017

Mariners, Shipbuilders Call on President to Put U.S. National & Economic Security First

Profoundly damaging announcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) puts foreign companies first and American companies and workers last. The Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) today responded to an announcement by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to withdraw its second proposal to modify and revoke letter rulings. This decision hurts American workers, vessel owners, and U.S. shipbuilders and prevents the creation of 3,200 new American jobs. Obliging to foreign interests, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) recommended a regulatory review process that will significantly delay the lawful and correct enforcement of the Jones Act which requires good moving between one U.S. port and another be moved on vessels that are U.S. built, U.S. owned and U.S. crewed.

03 May 2017

AWO Testifies on Carrier Alliance, Tug Negotiations

Tom Allegretti (Photo: AWO)

AWO testifies before Congress on dangers of foreign carrier alliances negotiating collectively with U.S. Tom Allegretti, President & CEO of The American Waterways Operators, testified before the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee's Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation on the dangers posed by the Federal Maritime Commission's (FMC) decision to allow foreign carrier alliances to collectively negotiate with U.S. tugboat operators. Allegretti also emphasized AWO's view that such agreements violate both the letter and congressional intent of the Shipping Act


08 Mar 2017

Legislators Call for US-flag LNG Carriers

© Wojciech Wrzesien / Adobe Stock

New legislation proposed this week would require up to 30 percent of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports to travel on U.S.-flagged vessels. The U.S. is expected to continue ramping up its LNG exports in the coming years and become a net exporter by 2020, yet there are currently no U.S.-flag carriers to carry the cargo. “We’re the most powerful nation in the world, but 99 percent of our trade travels on foreign-flagged ships,” said Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, Davis


22 Nov 2016

America Needs Icebreakers

USCGC Polar Star (Photo: USCG)

Russia has more polar icebreakers than the rest of the world combined. America has one polar icebreaker and that one is well past its prime. There has been talk of sharing icebreakers. Sharing may work with allies, who are generally on the same page. Sharing will not work with Russia, which views the world as a zero-sum game. In June 2016, Russia announced the launching of Arktika, the world’s largest polar icebreaker. With a full load displacement of 33,540 tons, a length of 173.3 meters and a breadth of 34 meters, it will be capable of breaking ice up to 2.9 meters.

22 Oct 2016

Holland America Line Receives Association for Rescue at Sea Award

The captain and crew of Holland America Line’s ms Veendam were honored by the Association for Rescue at Sea with a prestigious AFRAS AMVER Award for the 2015 rescue of a pilot who ditched his aircraft in the Pacific Ocean near Hawaii. The Automated Mutual Assistance Vessel Rescue System was implemented by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1958, and the AMVER Awards were created in 1971 to recognize vessels that participate in the program. Holland America Line received the award at the annual Coast Guard Award Ceremony Sept. 21, 2016, at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. Veendam’s Captain Eric van der Wal accepted the honor on behalf of the cruise line.

29 Aug 2016

California: A Strong Shipbuilding State

General Dynamics NASSCO christened and launched tanker Constitution on Saturday, August 27, 2016 (Photo: General Dynamics NASSCO)

Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA) member General Dynamics NASSCO hosted U.S. Maritime Administrator Paul “Chip” Jaenichen for a tour of the San Diego shipyard, where SEACOR Constitution – a 610-foot tank ship launched this weekend. While on the tour, Administrator Jaenichen shared data from a report by the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) that shows the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry in California supports nearly 35,000 jobs, and contributes $2.3 billion in labor income and $3.6 billion in U.S. GDP.

08 Jul 2016

Preventing Nuclear Smuggling at U.S. Ports

The subcommittees are meeting today to examine the efforts of the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the smuggling of nuclear materials in U.S. ports and other port security risks. This hearing follows last year’s hearing which examined the prevention and response to a dirty bomb at a U.S. port. It seems clear that Islamic extremists aspire to carry out a radiological attack, so this is a threat we need to take seriously. If they succeed even once, the consequences would be catastrophic. To be prepared, we must ensure that we have the proper screening and response protocols in place. Today we will continue to review these efforts as well as broader governmental efforts to reduce threats to our ports.

10 Jun 2016

Hearing to Address US Coast Guard Needs

The U.S. Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, chaired by U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), will hold a hearing next week on U.S. Coast Guard mission needs and a recently completed Government Accountability Office (GAO) review of how the Service allocates its resources.   The GAO report, entitled Coast Guard: Actions Needed to Improve Strategic Allocation of Assets and Determine Workforce Requirements, reviewed the extent to which the Coast Guard employs an effective process to strategically allocate assets to meet its mission responsibilities.  The release of the GAO report will coincide with Tuesday’s hearing.   The Subcommittee hearing, entitled, “Coast Guard Mission Needs and Resources Allocation,” is scheduled for Tuesday, June 14, 2016.

18 Feb 2016

K&L's Gorton Stresses Critical Role of Jones Act

A former member of the 9-11 Commission recently wrote in The Hill that an “often overlooked” benefit of the Jones Act is its role in homeland security and border protection. Former U.S. Senator Slade Gorton and former state attorney general and homeland security expert from the Commission, said he finds border security the Jones Act’s “most vital benefit” in addition to its economic benefits of supporting more than 500,000 American jobs and the nearly $100 billion it fuels into the U.S. economy every year. The complete article written by Mr. As homeland security and border control remain a top priority among presidential candidates, one important provider of that security is often overlooked—the principal role the domestic maritime industry plays in securing America’s borders.

25 Aug 2015

AWO Working Hard for the Domestic Workboat Market

Higman Barges by Capt. Darren Istre

The year 2015 has been a busy year for The American Waterways Operators, the national trade association for the tugboat, towboat and barge industry, and for the industry AWO is privileged to represent. It’s a dynamic time for a vital industry that constitutes the largest segment of the U.S. domestic fleet, as companies throughout the industry are investing heavily to meet evolving customer needs; the industry stands on the verge of historic regulatory change; and AWO pursues an active public policy agenda to support members’ needs for predictable and practicable government policy.

23 Jun 2015

Military2Maritime Career Fair Features 30 Exhibitors

San Diego Military2Maritime Career Fair with Rep. Hunter (R-CA) Connects California Veterans With Opportunity. More than one hundred veterans attended a Military2Maritime career fair on Monday June 22, 2015 from 10:00am until 2:00pm at the Port Pavilion on Broadway Pier in San Diego, Ca. The free event, sponsored by the American Maritime Partnership (AMP) and hosted by the Port of San Diego, is part of a nationwide program to help connect the nation’s servicemen and women with jobs in the American maritime industry. Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA) attended the event and spoke to veterans and employers looking to hire for family-wage jobs. Previous Military2Maritime events have been held in Norfolk, VA, Jacksonville, Fla., Houston, Tex and New Orleans, LA.

12 Jun 2015

Hearing to Address USCG Drug Interdiction Efforts

Crew members aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant stack seized cocaine at Coast Guard Base Miami Beach, Florida, June 12. On May 22, the crew of the Vigilant and the Coast Guard Cutter Bear interdicted the cocaine worth an estimated wholesale value of $10.9 million. (USCG photo by Mark Barney)

Hearing will examine U.S. Coast Guard’s efforts to stop drug smuggling into the U.S. The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, chaired by U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), will hold a hearing next week on the U.S. Coast Guard’s and the federal government’s efforts to confront transnational drug smuggling and stem the flow of illegal drugs to the United States through maritime routes. The Subcommittee hearing, entitled, “Western Hemisphere Drug Interdiction Efforts,” is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16, 2015 in 2253 Rayburn House Office Building.

20 Apr 2015

World’s First LNG-Powered Containership Launched

General Dynamics NASSCO launched the 3,100 teu Isla Bella, the world’s first LNG-powered containership. More than 3,400 shipbuilders, their families, and others attended the special event at the San Diego-based shipyard. After christening by Sophie Sacco — wife of Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union — the 754-foot-long Isla Bella slid into San Diego Bay on the high tide at 9:10 p.m. Fireworks erupted as the ship floated. The containership, part of a two-ship contract, was built for TOTE at what is the last major yard still in existence on the US west coast. The Isla Bella was also NASSCO’s 100th launch. The 233 m long ships, equipped with MAN engines, are scheduled to operate between Jacksonville, (Jaxport) Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico, NASSCO said.

27 Mar 2015

Garamendi Introduces Bipartisan GPS Backup Bill

Congressman John Garamendi

Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA), the Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, introduced the bipartisan National Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Resilience and Security Act of 2015, H.R. 1678. H.R. 1678 would require the Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Commandant of the Coast Guard and the Secretary of Transportation, to establish and sustain a reliable, land


27 Mar 2015

BAE Systems to Expand San Diego Shipyard

As part of the San Diego Ship Repair expansion, BAE Systems will purchase a new, additional dry dock, shown here as a rendering of where it would be positioned at the shipyard. It will be the company’s largest dry dock in the United States, measuring 950-feet long and 205-feet wide, with a design lifting capacity of 55,000 tons. (Image courtesy of BAE Systems)

BAE Systems announced it will invest approximately $100 million to expand drydocking capabilities at its San Diego shipyard. The investment, which will include the purchase of a new drydock and a range of infrastructure improvements at the yard, aims to enhance ship repair, maintenance and modernization services the company provides to the U.S. Navy, other government agencies and commercial customers, the company said. BAE Systems made the announcement today during a ribbon-cutting ceremony dedicating a new pier at the shipyard along the San Diego waterfront. Scheduled attendees included U.S.

09 Apr 2015

Hearing to Examine USCG's Missions

U.S. Coast Guard photo by Tara Molle

The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, chaired by U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), will hold a hearing next week to examine how the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) allocates hours and resources among its multiple statutory missions, as well as how the Service measures mission performance. The Subcommittee hearing, entitled, “An Overview of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Missions,” is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 in 2253 Rayburn House Office Building.