Merchant Marine Policy of the United States

Archive Report

Impending Revision of Ship Subsidy System

Enactment of new legislation for development of “an adequate merchant marine” was recommended by President Roosevelt in a special message to Congress on March 4. Identical bills embodying some of the President's recommendations were offered in both houses on April 15 by Rep. Bland (D., Va.) and Senator Copeland (D., N. Y.). The Bland-Copeland Bill was passed by the House, June 27, by a vote of 194 to 186, but it is understood that this bill is not satisfactory to the President and that the administration is now drafting a substitute measure.

In his special message, the President said new merchant marine legislation was needed (1) to maintain fair competition between American and foreign ships; (2) to obtain sufficient American-flag ...

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