U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, the Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, delivered opening remarks at a nominations hearing for several key maritime and ocean administration positions. The hearing considered Stephen Carmel for Administrator of the Maritime Administration (MARAD), Laura DiBella and Robert Harvey for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), and Dr. Timothy Petty for Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Cantwell began by congratulating the nominees and acknowledging the presence of Senators Risch and Kelly. She highlighted her previous work with Dr. Petty and Senator Risch on the Columbia River Treaty, stating, “I certainly have enjoyed working with Dr. Petty and Senator Risch on the Columbia River Treaty for many years. I know first-hand of his legislative skill set, so congratulations on this nomination.”
Cantwell emphasized the importance of investments in U.S. shipyards, ports, and workforce to support shipbuilding and the broader maritime industry. She noted bipartisan support for American shipbuilding within the committee but stressed the need for effective implementation by the current administration. “These investments aren’t just important international trade issues for the United States, these are the kinds of investments needed to build our future maritime workforce, our economy and support our national defense,” she said.
Addressing Stephen Carmel, Cantwell referenced his background, stating, “You are nominated to be the Administrator of the U.S. Maritime Administration, the agency responsible for fostering, promoting and developing the U.S. maritime industry. You clearly have relevant experience – just starting at the Merchant Marine Academy and continuing as a deck officer, Master on U.S.-flagged vessels and your senior positions at Maersk. So, I certainly believe you have a keen view of what needs to be done.”
She expressed concern about the “deterioration of the U.S. maritime, as you call it, ‘ecosystem’,” adding, “I share that word – it is an ecosystem. And just like other ecosystems we’ve had to invest in, I look forward to asking you questions about how critical that is for supply chain issues for the United States of America, when supply chain issues have become a dominant issue. COVID proved that to us, and now we have to think about it and how it relates to very strategic assets and resources.”
Cantwell also addressed Laura DiBella and Robert Harvey, acknowledging DiBella’s experience as Florida’s first female Secretary of Commerce and executive director of the Florida Harbor Pilots Association. She noted Harvey’s Navy JAG background and asked both nominees about their views on FMC’s role in protecting U.S. shipping interests. Cantwell stated, “We do not want U.S. shippers’ product left on docks. We don't want unfair practices. And we certainly don't want unfair rates.”
Regarding Dr. Timothy Petty’s nomination to NOAA, Cantwell discussed the importance of fisheries management, stock assessments, and adequate staffing at NOAA. She raised concerns over proposed budget cuts and staff reductions at NOAA: “Let's not forget, the President proposed a 27% cut to NOAA's budget and the agency has lost at least 576 staffers, nearly one in five under this administration.” Cantwell cited impacts such as canceled stock assessments in New England and regulatory freezes leading to overfishing incidents.
She concluded by emphasizing the essential role of scientists in protecting coastal economies and reiterated her intent to question nominees on these critical issues.
