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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE<\/strong> Contact: Mark Ruge, 202-494-2256<\/strong><\/p>\n America\u2019s 6 State Maritime Academies are grateful for strong funding support in FY18!<\/strong><\/p>\n On behalf of America\u2019s six State Maritime Academies, I want to thank Congress and the Administration for their strong funding support in FY \u201918.\u00a0 That includes but is not limited to the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, Senators Susan Collins and Jack Reed; the House Seapower Subcommittee led by Ranking Member Rep. Joe Courtney and Chairman Rob Wittman; Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart and Ranking Member David Price of the House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee; Senators\u00a0 Deb Fischer and Gary Peters of the Senate Merchant Marine Subcommittee; Rep. Joe Crowley, Sen. Charles Schumer, and other leaders of the New York Congressional Delegation; MARAD Administrator Mark Buzby and his team at the U.S. Maritime Administration; and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.\u00a0 Their tireless work on behalf of the school ship recapitalization program and other critical programs is greatly appreciated by the State Academies, which collectively produced about 70% of our nation\u2019s licensed mariners each year.\u00a0 This support is particularly appreciated at a time when our national security leaders have pointed to a potential shortage of licensed officers.\u00a0 The Academies also express their great appreciation for robust funding for the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference, and other federal programs that make the U.S. maritime industry strong and secure.<\/p>\n
\n March 27, 2018<\/strong><\/p>\n