U.S. Representative Duncan Hunter, chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, made the following statement regarding President Obama's economic speech at the Jacksonville Port Authority:
"The President is right to call attention to the maritime industry as a reliable source for job creation. America's maritime industry is still on the leading edge but it's important that U.S. maritime capability and assets remain capable of meeting growing sealift requirements and competing on a global scale. Beyond words, my hope is that the President actually demonstrates a renewed commitment to promoting domestic maritime interests, first and foremost.
"The President can start by supporting U.S. cargo preference laws and programs that aid U.S. shipbuilding capability. Doing so would contribute significantly to job growth and economic recovery, while giving an added advantage to the U.S. maritime industry."