In recognition of his vigorous advocacy for the U.S. maritime industry, the Propeller Club of the United States has selected Congressman John Garamendi as this year’s recipient of its prestigious Salute to Congress award. The Propeller Club of the United States was founded in 1927, and today is a nonprofit international organization dedicated to the promotion of the maritime industry, commerce and global trade.
Congressman Garamendi is the Ranking Democrat on the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. In this capacity, and in his capacity as a Member of the House Committee on Armed Services, Congressman Garamendi has worked tirelessly to support and promote U.S.-flag shipping and to secure full funding for the critically important maritime Security Program. He has become the leading proponent in the House of Representatives of efforts to ensure that U.S.-flag vessels and American mariners participate in the carriage of LNG and other energy exports from the United States. He is a strong defender of the Jones Act, which guarantees that America’s waterborne domestic commerce will be controlled by American companies and transported on vessels built in the United States and operated by American crews.
Since then-Speaker of the House of Representatives Congressman Tip O’Neill received the first Salute to Congress in 1985, this award ceremony has become the maritime industry’s premier annual event in the Washington, D.C. This year’s award will be presented to Congressman Garamendi at a reception and dinner at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington on Thursday, April 23.