Speech #860010994

Mr. President. I introduce. for appropriate reference. a bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act. permitting foreign shipowners to retain a minimum number of crew members aboard their vessels laid up in American ports. Under present law. foreign crews may not remain in the United States more than 29 days. consequently. foreign owners who desire to keep certain essential members of their crews aboard at all times are disinclined to use American ports for periods of layup and repair. Therefore. American shipyards are being deprived of substantial revenue which would otherwise flow to them as a result of necessary repairs and upkeep of foreign flag vessels laid up in U.S. ports.