Therefore, it is imperative that this bill be passed as a first step in the buildup of the maritime industry. The next important step is the establishment of an Independent Maritime Agency. The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Downing. Mr. DOWNING. No questions except to compliment the gentleman on a very fine statement. The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Edwards. Mr. ROGERS. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I, too, want to compliment the gentlemen on an excellent statement and I think with industry and labor all uniting behind the bill we should have a good chance to pass it this year. Thank you. The CHAIRMAN. Mr. Stubblefield. Mr. STUBBLEFIELD. No questions. Mr. ST. ONGE. No questions. The CHAIRMAN. Thank you very much, Mr. Pettis. Are there any other witnesses here this morning? If there is nothing else the committee will adjourn. (The following letter was submitted for inclusion in the printed record :) THE PROPELLER CLUB OF THE UNITED STATES, NEW YORK, N. Y., February 10, 1967. Hon. EDWARD A. GARMATZ, MY DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Propeller Club of the United States, a maritime and marine society dedicated to promoting an American Merchant Marine adequate to meet the requirements of national security and economic welfare of the United States, having carefully considered the maritime needs of the United States, has taken a Position regarding Prior Authorization for Maritime Appropriations. This Position represents a consensus of Propeller Club member organizations and their memberships throughout the United States. The Position is attached. It is respectfully requested that the views contained therein be carefully considered and whatever action is necessary be taken. Yours faithfully, E. D. VICKERY, National President. THE PROPELLER CLUB OF THE UNITED STATES, POSITION, 1967 Background 3. PRIOR AUTHORIZATION FOR MARITIME APPROPRIATIONS During the second session of the 89th Congress legislation was introduced requiring legislative authorization as a prior condition to major maritime appropriative actions. Similar legislation has been re-introduced in the 90th Congress. Such a procedure would permit the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee and the Senate Committee on Commerce to first evaluate maritime needs and pass upon appropriate programs for meeting our national maritime objectives. This procedure has proven successful with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of Defense. The Appropriation Committees are to be commended for their efforts in support of our U.S. Merchant Marine, and we believe their hands will be further strengthened through prior program review by the substantive committees han dling maritime affairs. The Congress, in its own right, would thus be provided a complete analysis of the composite needs of U.S. waterborne transportation without being confined principally to Executive concept limitations. Position The Propeller Club of the United States strongly supports the concept that substantive committees of the Congress handling maritime affairs be empowered to review maritime program needs on a yearly basis and submit authorizing legislation to the Congress-such legislation to be a prior condition to appropriative action. Such a procedure will prove beneficial to both the regular legislative and appropriation committees. (Whereupon, at 11:05 a.m., the subcommittee adjourned subject to call of the Chair.) HEARINGS BEFORE THE SUBCOMMITTEE ON FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON MERCHANT MARINE AND FISHERIES HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NINETIETH CONGRESS FIRST SESSION ON H.R. 25, H.R. 1397, H.R. 4505, H.R. 4749, H.R. 4755, H.R. 4780, H.R. 6174, H.R. 6512, H.R. 6719, and H.R. 6851 BILLS TO AUTHORIZE THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR IN COOPERATION WITH THE STATES TO PRESERVE, PROTECT, DEVELOP, RESTORE, AND MAKE ACCESSIBLE ESTUARINE AREAS OF THE NATION WHICH ARE VALUABLE FOR SPORT AND COMMERCIAL FISHING, WILDLIFE CONSERVATION, RECREATION, AND SCENIC BEAUTY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES |