SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF N.A. - AGLIW

Active Legislation: H.R. 1207 / S. 525 - To transfer the functions, duties, responsibilities, assets, liabilities, orders, determinations, rules, regulations, permits, grants, loans, contracts, agreements, certificates, licenses, and privileges of the United States Agency for International Development relating to implementing and administering the Food for Peace Act to the Department of Agriculture - Advocacy in support of the legislation. H.R. 2035 / No Senate Companion - American Cargo for American Ships Act - Discussions with staff regarding cargo preference laws. Advocacy in support of the legislation. H.R. 3151 / S. 1541 / S. 1536 - Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act (SHIPS for America Act) - On-going discussions with staff regarding the reintroduction of the SHIPS for America Act, concerns regarding various provisions, and overall support and advocacy for the legislation. H.R. 3331 / No Senate Companion - Mariner Exam Modernization Act - Discussions with staff regarding testing provisions. Advocacy in support of the legislation. H.R. 4552 / S. 2465 - Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and related Agencies Appropriations Act 2026 - Discussions with staff regarding funding for the MSP, TSP and CSP fleets. Advocacy in support of the Senate version of the legislation. H.R. 8800 / S. 4784 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027 - Discussions with staff and members regarding adding the SHIPS for America Act to the legislation, as well as maritime industry priorities and provisions of the White House's Maritime Action Plan that were added to the House passed version. Discussions with staff over status of legislation and conference committee activity. Advocacy in support of the legislation. Legislative Initiatives and General Issue Areas: Cargo Preference - Ongoing discussions about increasing the percentages of cargo reserved under cargo preference programs to the U.S.-Flag fleet, education regarding cargo preference and its importance to the industry, and American economic and national security Cable Ship / Maritime Security / Tanker Fleet Security Program funding and issues - On-going discussions with staff over these stipend programs and their future needs, funding, and reauthorizations, as well as concerns regarding the current gap between authorized levels and appropriated funds under the continuing resolution. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credentialing Issues - Ongoing discussions with members and staff regarding difficulties in obtaining initial and renewed credentials for Merchant Mariners through the Coast Guards National Maritime Center. Coast Guard Manning Requirements - Discussions with staff regarding to changes to the Coast Guard's manning requirements for Articulated Tug Barge units. Coast Guard Training Certification Issues - Ongoing discussions with members and staff regarding difficulties in obtaining timely certification of training courses for Merchant Mariners through the Coast Guards National Maritime Center. Jones Act - On-going discussions with staff regarding issues relating to the Jones Act, including wind-farm development, and Administration actions on waivers, Customs and Border Protection administrative rulings regarding Jones Act application to OCSLA, staff briefings on the importance of the law and implementation of last year's NDAA provisions. Jones Act Waivers - On-going discussions with staff regarding the Presidents original 60 day waiver of the Jones Act and both 90 day extensions. Mariner Recruitment and Retention - Discussions with staff regarding concerns about mariner recruitment, the current mariner shortage, and retention efforts within the industry Maritime Action Plan/Presidential Executive Order on Promoting American Maritime Dominance - Discussions and advocacy regarding legislative proposals being drafted by the Administration to implement legislative proposals included in Executive Order #14269. Regulatory Issues - Discussions with staff regarding regulatory issues impacting maritime, including maritime pollution regulations in California and at the EPA, as well as issues with radio licensing by the FCC for US-Flag vessels. Shipbuilding - Discussions with staff regarding proposals from the White House that would impact domestic and international shipbuilding. USAID/Food for Peace Funding Concerns - Discussions with staff regarding the impacts of the administration's changes to Food Aid USAID/USDA Program Transfer - Discussions with offices regarding the movement of program responsibilities for foreign aid from USAID to USDA. War in Iran - Discussions with staff and members regarding maritime aspects of the war in Iran, including issues with the Strait of Hormuz, attacks on shipping in the Persian Gulf and surrounding areas, and the impact on American mariners on ships transiting the strait or stuck inside the Gulf.