Rockland Reporter

Today, Congressman Mike Lawler (R-NY-17) joined Representatives Andrew Garbarino (R-NY-02), Tom Suozzi (D-NY-03), David Valadao (R-CA-22), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), Anthony D'Esposito (R-NY-04), Nick LaLota (R-NY-01), Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY-11), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), and Marc Molinaro (R-NY-19) to introduce legislation authorizing funding for necessary expenses for the rehabilitation, modernization, and construction of facilities and infrastructure at the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA).

The legislation aims to support the implementation of the Full Speed Ahead infrastructure plan, created by The Maritime Security Infrastructure Council (MSIC). This plan addresses critical infrastructure needs at the USMMA. Funding would be authorized from FY24-FY34 in the amount of $54 million for the first year and $107,333,333 each subsequent year. The introduction of this bill coincides with National Maritime Day, which recognizes the launch of the maritime industry in the United States and honors Merchant Marines for their contributions.

"With New York being home to the Merchant Marine Academy, our state has an important role in naval civilian and military operations," said Congressman Lawler. "I’m proud to join Congressman Garbarino in introducing legislation that will ensure adequate funding for the rehabilitation, modernization, and construction of facilities and infrastructure at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. The Merchant Marines provide an essential service on our nation’s waters and I am proud to support them."

"The U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is one of our nation's five federal service academies responsible for educating and training mariners who are committed to serving as licensed Merchant Marine Officers and commissioned officers in the Armed Forces," said Congressman Garbarino. "Maritime security is critical to our national security, yet the Academy has been allowed to fall into disrepair - threatening recruitment efforts as well as educational quality. With this legislation, we aim to upgrade and modernize USMMA’s facilities so that we may continue producing best-in-class mariners."

"For more than 80 years, USMMA has trained Midshipmen and merchant mariners who have faithfully served our nation in times of war and peace," said Congressman Suozzi. "After facing setbacks for years, the Merchant Marine Academy is now positioned for a major turnaround. This legislation will greatly contribute to ensuring that USMMA remains a premier institution."

"Graduates of USMMA play a critical role in supporting military readiness and protecting economic interests globally during peacetime," said Congressman Valadao. "Unfortunately, underinvestment has led to deteriorating facilities. We must ensure this historic academy has resources necessary to continue producing top maritime experts."

"For over 30 years, USMMA's campus has been deteriorating due to severe underinvestment compared to other federal service academies," said Congresswoman Malliotakis. "I’m proud to cosponsor this bipartisan legislation providing necessary funding for overdue modernization repairs."

"The United States Merchant Academy prepares young leaders for U.S Armed Forces," said Congressman Molinaro. "It is paramount they have necessary resources needed for success."

"The United States Merchant Marine Academy ensures America maintains its maritime force," said Congressman D’Esposito. "I am grateful to Congressman Garbarino for introducing crucial legislation providing necessary federal resources."

"For over eight decades, USMMA has been indispensable in national security as our ‘fourth arm of defense’,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Outdated infrastructure undermines mission-essential training and hinders recruitment efforts posing threats to both national security and economic stability.”

"This bill allocates crucial funding updating aging infrastructure dating back to 1940s,” said Congressman LaLota.” This investment ensures continued development of top-tier officers enhancing education quality while attracting brightest new students.”

Congressman Lawler represents New York's 17th Congressional District which includes parts of Rockland, Putnam, Dutchess, and Westchester Counties.