Impact of Changes in Congress on the Maritime Industry

On January 5, 2011, the Members of the 112th Conress were sworn in. The Republicans gained control of the House and all its Committees; the Senate continued in Democratic control, but with a smaller majority. While the practical effect of these changes remains to be seen, some policy ones are evident: the new emphasis on shrinking the Federal deficit and the number of new Committee Chairs in the House are likely to change the landscape and the outlook for maritime legislation and budgets.

We begin with a review of the new House Committee leadership, starting with the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where Congressman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) lost his seat, and Congressman John Mica (R-FL) takes over as Committee Chair. The full Committee Ranking Member is Rep. Nick Rahall (D-WV). The key Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation is chaired by Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ) and Rep. Rick Larsen (D-WA) is the Ranking Member. Chairman LoBiondo, a strong supporter of the maritime industry, just announced his goals for the 112th Congress.

They include:

enacting legislation to provide the necessary authorities and resources for the Coast Guard to carry out its broad responsibilities; the development of a national strategic transportation plan that includes a strong maritime transportation component and greater use of coastwise trade, including the encouragement of short-sea shipping; and ensuring that future deepwater drilling permits are not rubberstamped and that adequate technologies, more thorough inspections, and better oversight and planning are required for future exploration and drilling activities. The 111th Congress just enacted a comprehensive Coast Guard Modernization Act (P.L. 111-281) while leaving on the table several items of unfinished business. Therefore, the possibility of taking up another Coast Guard bill provides new opportunities for the maritime industry.

Other changes affecting the maritime industry in the House are in the Armed Services Committee, which is now chaired by Congressman Howard P. ("Buck") McKeon (R-CA). The Ranking Member is Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA). The Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee is chaired by Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO), and the Ranking Member is Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC). This Subcommittee has jurisdiction over the Maritime Security Program ("MSP"). The Committee is beginning to examine the President's proposals to reduce the Defense budget and has held its first hearing on this...