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Opening remarks, as prepared, of Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Ranking Member Bob Gibbs (R-OH) from today’s hearing entitled, “U.S. Maritime and Shipbuilding Industries: Strategies to Improve Regulation, Economic Opportunities, and Competitiveness”:

The U.S. maritime industry directly or indirectly employs more than 475,000 Americans, providing nearly $29 billion in annual wages.  There are more than 40,000 commercial vessels currently flying the American flag, not counting the 35,000 vessel U.S. fishing industry fleet.

The vast majority of these vessels are engaged in domestic commerce, though roughly 80 U.S. flag vessels continue to operate in international trade.  It is estimated that the U.S. maritime industry accounts for over $90 billion in economic output each year.  

Beyond the important contributions to our economy, U.S.-flag ships, U.S.-licensed mariners, and U.S. shipbuilders are vital to our national security.  The U.S. military relies on U.S.-flag commercial vessels crewed by American Merchant Mariners to carry troops, weapons, and supplies to the battlefield.  We cannot rely on foreign vessels and crews to provide for our national security.  We must maintain a robust fleet of U.S.-flag vessels, a cadre of skilled American mariners, and a strong shipyard industrial base. 

I am interested in ways in which we can promote the U.S. fleet through more efficient and less burdensome regulation as well as increased investment. 

I look forward to hearing from the witnesses on ways in which we can further promote the U.S.-flag fleet and create more U.S. mariner jobs.