The Deficit Commission and Maritime Programs

The "National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform," better known as the Deficit Commission, is charged by Executive Order with making recommendations to improve the U.S. Government's fiscal situation by December 1, 2010. On November 10, the Co-Chairmen of the Commission issued draft proposed recommendations in advance of Commission approval. A number of those program targeted recommendations would affect the U.S. maritime industry if adopted, including:

• Increasing the inland fuel tax or other fees substantially to fully fund Army Corps of Engineers spending on inland waterways (currently only about half self funded);
• Cancelling the Navy/Marine Corps "sea basing" program, technically the Future Maritime Prepositioning Force program (MPF(F)), which will provide significant building opportunities for U.S. shipyards and vessel operating opportunities for U.S.-flag ship managers; and
• Reducing the U.S. foreign military presence by one third which would greatly reduce military cargo opportunities for U.S.-flag carriers.

These proposals, and many others intending to reduce U.S. Government spending, can also be found in an August 2009 Congressional Budget Office report.