Obama Pledges Support for Injured Seamen, Other Maritime Issues

Democratic presidential nominee Senator Barack Obama has pledged his support for a longstanding federal law which provides financial compensation to seamen who are injured on the job as a result of their employers’ negligence.

In a letter sent to the president of the Seafarers International Union, which has endorsed him for president, Obama pledged his support for the Jones Act, a 1920 law which pays workers’ compensation benefits for seamen who are hurt while working on ships, oil rigs, and other ocean vessels.

Obama also affirmed his support for other maritime-related legislation, including the Maritime Security Program and U.S. Cargo Preference laws, according to a statement from the union.

“America needs a strong and vibrant U.S.-Flag Merchant Marine,” Obama wrote. “That is why you and your members can continue to count on me to support the Jones Act (which also includes the Passenger Vessel Services Act) and the continued exclusion of maritime services in international trade agreements.”

Obama said a strong maritime community supports the nation’s national security interests.

“To make sure our armed forces have the equipment and ammunition they need at the time the materials are required, my administration will solidly support the continuation of the Maritime Security Program,” Obama wrote union leaders.

Obama said if elected, he also would support continuing the nation’s Cargo Preference laws, which require shipping certain items on United States-flagged vessels.

“A strong U.S.-Flag commercial fleet needs our nation’s Cargo Preference laws,” Obama said. “Whether it is carrying needed goods to those overseas in distress or moving government-generated cargo, American mariners aboard American ships make sure the job is done.”

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