The Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), the national trade association representing the U.S. shipyard industry honored U.S. House of Representatives Chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, Peter DeFazio (R-OR) as a 2019 recipient of SCA’s prestigious Maritime Leadership Award.
As recipient of the Maritime Leadership Award, Chairman DeFazio is recognized as an exemplary leader in Congress who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and support of the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry. Overall the American maritime industry, including shipbuilding and repair, creates more than 650,000 jobs nationwide, and contributes more than $150 billion annually to the nation’s economy, according to a recent economic study by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Transportation Institute.
In Oregon, the American domestic maritime industry adds $864 million annually to the state’s economy, as well as more than $553 million in worker income.
“I am deeply honored to receive this award, especially from an organization such as the Shipbuilders Council of America that has done so much on behalf of the hardworking men and women of the shipbuilding and repair industry,” Chairman DeFazio said. “As we have seen, when we work together to fend off attacks on the Jones Act and focus on growing a vibrant, diverse, and globally competitive U.S. maritime industry, we can ensure the U.S. remains a great maritime nation. I look forward to keeping up the fight for the long haul.”
“Chairman Peter DeFazio is our champion in Oregon, and we are grateful to him for his dedication to our industry and his commitment to the maritime workforce. For years, he has understood the crucial importance of the Merchant Marine, working in the House of Representatives to fight for the Coast Guard Authorization Act. We applaud Chairman DeFazio standing firm on the importance of the Jones Act, a tireless supporter for the law that ensures our national security, homeland security, and economic security. The people of the 4th District of Oregon must be proud of their great leader.” said SCA President, Matthew Paxton.
The award was presented during the SCA annual meeting in Washington, D.C. in May. The event saw the attendance of nearly 100 shipyards and partner organizations to discuss the status of the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry and to bring awareness to the U.S. Congress of the industry’s critical role in national and economic security.
