Full Steam Ahead: Delta Queen Legislation Headed to President's Desk

Press Release

The Delta Queen steamboat, the oldest overnight passenger steamboat still able to travel America's inland waterways, was known as a mainstay of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers for more than 60 years. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03) recently sent a letter to House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure leaders, urging the inclusion of language to preserve history and support American jobs by providing the Delta Queen steamboat an exemption from a rule originally intended for ocean-going ships.

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed S. 140, the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018. After years of bipartisan, bicameral cooperation, S. 140 includes language allowing the Delta Queen steamboat to return to Missouri's rivers. Congressman Luetkemeyer released the following statement:

"As a lifelong Missourian, I appreciate the significance of the Delta Queen's historic contributions to Missouri. For many years, local leaders have fought alongside Missouri's Congressional delegation to preserve this piece of American history. With the passage of this important legislation, we have provided the United States Coast Guard with adequate resources to support its mission, and provided a critical exemption allowing the Delta Queen steamboat to return to Missouri's rivers," said Congressman Luetkemeyer. "When the President signs this legislation, we will have succeeded in spurring economic growth along Missouri's riverbanks and safeguarding the Delta Queen's storied history. I hope future generations of Missourians will be able to enjoy the historic Delta Queen as it traverses Missouri's waterways for years to come."

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