STATEMENT OF THE HONORABLE DUNCAN HUNTER BEFORE THE SPECIAL OVERSIGHT PANEL ON THE MERCHANT MARINE HEARING ON U.S OWNERSHIP AND CONTROL OF VESSELS OPERATING IN THE MARITIME SECURITY PROGRAM JULY 16, 2002 I would first like to welcome the witnesses that are scheduled to appear before us today. I recognize we have a lot to cover, so my opening remarks will be brief. Although we have some time before the current Maritime Security Program expires, the panel wanted to get started now with the hope that we can get something enacted well before the current expiration date in 2005. I understand that getting agreement among all the disparate interests will be difficult and also understand that paying for a new program will be equally challenging. What I hope the panel will do is work through each of the difficult issues with a goal of getting agreement on a consensus package that we can all unite behind. It is clear to me at this point that we will not be able to satisfy each and every desire. |