Charlie Papavizas Discusses Maritime Food Aid Debate with gCaptain

Charlie Papavizas was quoted in the gCaptain article “Maritime Food Aid Fight Reignited as Part of Congress’ Coast Guard Bill” published May 16, 2014. The article discusses the current debate on Capital Hill surrounding the use of U.S.-flagged vessels to transport food aid and the potential increase in the percentage of international food aid that must be shipped on U.S.-flagged vessels. On one side of the debate are international food aid groups, who argue that the shippers seek to usurp more of the international food aid budget. On the other side, shippers claim the provision would financially benefit the government in the long run.

According to Mr. Papavizas, the debate could erupt into open conflict at any time between now and the current U.S.C.G.’s funding expiration in September.

“The situation is fluid. The Senate needs to act soon if the Coast Guard bill is going to be finished before the current funding expires. But this Congress doesn’t seem to take any budget deadlines seriously, so it’s anybody’s guess,” Mr. Papavizas said.

Mr. Papavizas was also quoted concerning the potential impact on the State Department’s Agency of International Development (AID) budget, which could be as little as $15 million out of a total AID budget of $1.4 billion. However, Mr. Papavizas thinks that number could fluctuate depending on separate legislation on AID funding levels.

Mr. Papavizas is a partner in Winston & Strawn’s Washington, D.C. office and chair of the firm's maritime and admiralty practice. He focuses his practice on administrative, legislative, and corporate matters, primarily in the maritime industry.