The Decline of Merchant Seamen and the Implications for the US

Item — Box: 51, Folder: 13

Identifier: CAC_CC_109_4_51_13_0053

Staff Only

The Decline of Merchant Seamen and The Implications for The Us

The letter is addressed to Congressman Jones and discusses concerns about the Merchant Seamen's Entitlement Act. The author argues that there are too few merchant seamen to justify the expense of maintaining the services mandated by the act. They mention that the government focused on increasing foreign merchant fleets but neglected to guarantee cargo availability for the US fleet. This led to a shift in registry to foreign flags, causing a decline in US seamen and tax revenue. The author predicts that in another international conflict, foreign seamen will prioritize their own countries, leaving the US with even less shipping potential. They suggest considering alternative solutions rather than abolishing the Seamen's Entitlement Act.

Dates

1981

Creator

Jones, James Robert (James R.), United States Ambassador to Mexico (1993-1997); Chair of the House Budget Committee (1981-1985); U.S. House of Representatives from Oklahoma's 1st district (1973-1987), 1939- (Person)

Language of Materials

English

Conditions Governing Access

Certain series of this collection are stored off-site and require prior notice to access. If you wish to view these materials, please contact the Congressional Archives staff to arrange an appointment.

The following series are stored off-site: Clippings, Invitations, White House Records, and 2017 Accrual.