Statement of C. James Patti, President, Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development on Behalf of USA Maritime to The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee of The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on The State Of The U.S. Maritime Industry: Impacts Of The Covid-19 Pandemic February 9, 2021   USA Maritime is a Coalition whose membership includes shipping companies operating U.S.-flag vessels in our nation’s foreign trades, including all the U.S.-flag shipping companies having vessels enrolled in the 60-ship Maritime Security Program; the maritime labor unions representing the licensed and unlicensed men and women who crew these vessels; and their related maritime associations. I appreciate the opportunity to appear on behalf of USA Maritime to discuss the current state of the U.S.-flag international merchant fleet. The development and implementation of programs and policies that support this fleet, enhance its economic viability and enable it to compete for a larger share of America’s foreign trade are extremely important to our ability to support the economic and military security of our country. Consequently, we are extremely pleased that this hearing is being held and that we have been given the opportunity to present our views. READ MORE (PDF)