Fischer & Booker Introduce MARAD Reauthorization Bill

Press Release

Yesterday, U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Cory Booker (D-N.J.) introduced legislation to reauthorize the Maritime Administration (MARAD) at the Department of Transportation. The bill, known as S. 2829 the Maritime Administration Authorization and Enhancement Act of 2017, recognizes the important role of America's maritime transportation system and takes critical steps to improve the management of MARAD.

Importantly, the bill also strengthens sexual assault prevention programs at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Fischer and Booker serve as the chair and ranking member, respectively, of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security.

Senator Fischer released the following statement:

"Productive maritime shipping plays a critical role in a healthy economy and ensures Nebraska's producers and manufactures can effectively send their world-class products to the global market. I'm pleased to join Senator Booker to introduce this strong, bipartisan legislation. By working together, we can keep goods moving, strengthen our national security, and improve fiscal responsibility at the Maritime Administration.

"Senator Booker and I also collaborated on meaningful provisions to enhance sexual assault prevention programs for midshipmen attending the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Through these prevention and response efforts, we can provide a more secure experience for the men and women who will go on to serve our country."

Senator Booker released the following statement:

"Our ports, vessels, and Merchant Marine forces are critical to our military preparedness, economic growth, and disaster relief efforts, so I was pleased to join Senator Fischer in introducing this bipartisan legislation which takes important steps to improve conditions for our nation's maritime workforce.

"I'm also proud that this legislation includes provisions that will help the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy -- one of the most specialized educational institutions in the country -- to obtain a more diverse applicant pool, and provisions that proactively take steps to prevent sexual assault at the Academy. This will provide a healthier and more inclusive environment to train these men and women who serve our country."

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