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Statement
of the Honorable Duncan Hunter
Special Oversight Panel
on the Merchant
Marine
Hearing on US OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF
VESSELS
OPERATING IN THE MARITIME SECURITY
PROGRAM |
I
would first like to welcome the witnesses that
are scheduled to appear before us today.
I recognize we have a lot to cover, so
my opening remarks will be brief.
Although
we have some time before the current Maritime
Security Program expires, the panel wanted to
get started now with the hope that we can get
something enacted well before the current
expiration date in 2005.
I understand that getting agreement
among all the disparate interests will be
difficult and also understand that paying for
a new program will be equally challenging.
What I hope the panel will do is work
through each of the difficult issues-with a
goal of getting agreement on a consensus
package that we can all unite behind.
It is clear to me at this point that we
will not be able to satisfy each and every
desire.
This
is the first of what I hope will be several
additional hearings relating to the maritime
security program.
The next hearing will address issues
relating to commercial shipbuilding and the
MSP program.
I hope that hearing will also address
additional incentive programs - such as
needed changes to our tax laws.
We may also need to hear from other
components - such as the bulk operators.
Before
we proceed to markup, I believe the panel will
need to hear from those within the government
who set the requirements for commercial
reserve sealift capability.
Accordingly, I will invite the head of
the Transportation Command, General Handy, to
testify. We all know that if we do not get his support for the key
elements that reauthorization of MSP will be
very difficult.
Quite frankly, I think these two
gentlemen recognize that we are not just
getting access to ships in the Maritime
Security Program but also the infrastructure
that goes with them.
We need to hear the importance of that
part of the package.
Finally,
after we build the record, I want to get the
Administration before this panel to hear their
view, get their support and - most
importantly - receive a commitment to
include funding for a new program in their
budget.
I
want to thank Mr. Allen, the ranking member
for his support and guidance, and I would now
like to recognize the gentlemen from Maine for
any comments he might wish to make.
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