MM&P Members: CONGRESSIONAL ELECTIONS - IMPACT ON MARITIME The maritime industry lost a number of good friends and strong supporters as a result of the midterm Congressional elections on November 4th. For example, the ranking member on the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congressman Nick Rahall, was defeated, along with Committee member and maritime stalwart Congressman Tim Bishop. Both these members fought alongside us throughout their careers to preserve the Jones Act, to maintain cargo preference, and to fund the Maritime Security Program. They were part of a small group of recognized leaders and spokesmen for our industry on Capitol Hill, and we will greatly miss their friendship, support and counsel. On the other side of the Hill, Senator Mark Begich, a vigorous fighter for our industry, lost his bid for reelection. In the time he has been in Congress, Senator Begich became one of the go-to Senators on maritime issues. He too will be sorely missed by all who support a strong U.S.-flag merchant marine. While it is always difficult to lose these and other good friends, we are fortunate in that a large number of the candidates we supported won their elections on November 4th. In fact, of the 58 individuals running for election to the House of Representatives on November 4th who received a contribution from the MM&P Political Contribution Fund (PCF), 54 were victorious, as were 8 of the 10 individuals supported by our PCF who were running for the Senate. This means that we are able to head into the next Congress with a strong base of supporters who are ready and willing to continue the fight on behalf of our industry. As a result of the November 4th Congressional midterm elections, at least 72 new members will be serving in the House of Representatives and Senate in the 114th Congress. For us, this means we must further expand our efforts to educate the newly elected members of the House of Representatives and Senate, as well as those returning to Congress, as to the importance of our industry to the military and economic security of our nation. It means that our involvement in the grassroots maritime advisory committee (MAC) program, along with the ILA, MEBA and others, is more important than ever before. And, it means that all Members and employees of our Union should dig deep and support our Political Contribution Fund (PCF). The next round of Congressional elections is only two years away, and the campaigning and fundraising have already begun. We must again have the resources we need to support our friends and to help them help us keep U.S.-flag ships sailing and American mariners working. To find more specific information on the results of the 2014 midterm elections and the performance of our PCF or to make a contribution to our PCF, go to bridgedeck.org. If you have any questions or would like any further information, contact Headquarters. Steven E. Werse MM&P Secretary-Treasurer
Posted on: Sun, 16 Nov 2014 04:22:04 +0000
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