The Committee has received a copy of the entire confidential report, and it is alarming. Some have questioned why we are having these hearings now, just four days into the new era for the shipping industry. I cannot think of a better time. It is no secret that the NVOs do not feel that they got a fair shake in last year's bill, and I share their concerns. I promised publicly last year that this Committee would conduct vigorous oversight of the implementation of the Act.
Today represents a down payment on that commitment.
Some have argued that these issues were thoroughly aired and resolved in last year's debate. I must respectfully disagree. In fact, there was absolutely no House Committee consideration of the 1998 Act, and only the briefest floor consideration. I understand the political realities behind the leadership's decision in that regard, and I do not criticize it. However, no one should use last year's procedure as an excuse to truncate further airing of these issues now.