Hoyer: Reject Amendment to Eliminate Additional Funding for Maritime Security Program

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) spoke on the House Floor today in opposition to Rep. Amash's amendment to the crude oil export bill, which would eliminate the Maritime Security Program. Below is a transcript of his remarks and a link to the video:

Click here to watch the video. 

“I join my friend, Mr. Forbes, in opposition to this amendment, Mr. Speaker. This amendment would harm America’s national security. Under the program that it seeks to eliminate, the Pentagon reserves capacity and roughly 60 U.S. flag commercial ships to ensure the supply and transport of American troops. It is a program that supports our private sector as well, requiring the Defense Department to contract private commercial ships, rather than building their own, so there is not redundancy but complimentary ability. It is a program that enhances America’s national security by ensuring that our military can depend on U.S. flagged and crewed vessels, instead of foreign ones. It's a program that supports important domestic maritime jobs.

“In my view, we ought to reject this amendment. [The bill it seeks to change] is legislation that is obviously controversial. I hope [opposition to] this amendment is not controversial and [that it] receives overwhelming bipartisan opposition.”