WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jason Lewis (MN-02), issued the following statement after being named the Vice-Chairman on the Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation subcommittee, recognizing his early contribution to the Republican Conference: “Chairman Shuster’s leadership over the past four years has put us in place to move swiftly forward with the new administration on major improvements to our aging systems. A key part in that will be working to ensure the Coast Guard remains an effective part of our armed services. The Coast Guard and Merchant Marine help protect our ports and make navigable waterways productive, and I’m looking forward to using this position to enhance our security and make maritime transportation more efficient.” Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (PA-09) released the following statement: “Jason has shown a keen grasp of the bold solutions the committee will be advancing to make improvements in the lives of Minnesotans and to build a 21st century infrastructure for America.  As we work to reauthorize the Coast Guard -- one of our five armed services -- and help maritime transportation thrive, I welcome Jason’s leadership on the subcommittee.” Background, courtesy of the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee: The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation conducts oversight of the United States Coast Guard, the Service responsible for enforcing the Nation’s laws on waters under U.S. jurisdiction and on the high seas.  The Coast Guards many missions include search and rescue, illegal drug and migrant interdiction, oil spill prevention and response, maritime safety and security, maintaining aids to navigation, icebreaking, and enforcement of U.S. fisheries and marine pollution laws. The Subcommittee also has jurisdiction over regulation of ocean shipping and the merchant marine, except as it relates to national security. In the 115th Congress, one of the Subcommittee’s priorities is legislation to authorize the Coast Guard’s programs and to support and strengthen the important missions of one of the Nation’s five armed services.  A 21st century American infrastructure and transportation network includes a vibrant and efficient maritime transportation system. A well-equipped and focused Coast Guard will be necessary to support it. Issues and agencies under the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee include:
  • United States Coast Guard
  • Maritime transportation safety
  • Navigation, port and waterway safety
  • Maritime transportation regulatory activities, including the regulation of vessels and merchant seaman
  • Marine environmental protection, generally as related to vessel operations (oil and plastics pollution, invasive/aquatic nuisance species transported by vessels, international agreements concerning transportation of oil and hazardous substances)
  • State boating safety programs
  • Federal Maritime Commission and the regulation of ocean shipping
  • The Jones Act (United States cabotage laws governing shipping of goods and passengers between any two points in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone)
  • Non-national security aspects of the merchant marine