Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005
President Bush signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 (H.R. 4818). This 658-page bill provides monies for all federal agencies other than Defense and Homeland Security, which were handled earlier. The bill also includes a number of miscellaneous provisions. Some maritime highlights follow. -- Ocean freight differential costs for shipment of certain government-impelled agricultural shipments are funded in the amount of $22.7 million. -- The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) receives $2.8 billion for operations and $1 billion for procurement, acquisition, and construction. The bill includes the Oceans and Human Health Act, intended largely to implement portions of the recommendations for the Ocean Policy Commission. -- The U.S.
Legal Notes
President George Bush has signed into law legislation repealing a four year old rule imposing a 50% duty on the cost of routine repairs and maintenance carried out by U.S. merchant mariners while their vessel is at sea. The elimination of the duty, which customs authorities have levied on US-flag carriers since April 2001, represents a victory for the domestic shipowning community. The community has lobbied hard against it since its introduction. President Bush signed into law the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (S. 2845). The major emphasis of the legislation is reform of the U.S. intelligence organization. Other measures, though, may impact the maritime community.
Ocean Policy Commission to Meet in D.C.
The U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy will hold a meeting in Washington, DC on November 22, 2002 to discuss development of recommendations for a coordinated national ocean policy.
