The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, H.R. 3619, authorizes appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2010. Originally the bill had 14 amendments before it was sent to the Senate for consideration. Some of the original amendments regarding TWIC were as follows:

Sec. 307. Transportation Security Cards on Vessels:  Specifies that Transportation Worker Identification Cards (TWIC) cards are required by individuals issued a license, certificate of registry, or merchant mariners document under part E of subtitle II of this title who are, "allowed unescorted access to a secure area designated in a vessel security plan."  It provides the same clarification for individuals who work on a towing vessel that pushes, pulls, or hauls alongside a tank vessel.  This is a significant modification long sought by industry and small passenger vessels carrying six or fewer passengers for hire.

Sec. 815. Use of Secondary Authentication for Transportation Security Card:  Allows the Secretary to use a secondary authentication system for individuals applying for TWIC cards but who are unable to give fingerprints.  The legislation also allows TWIC card holders to use Federal anti-terrorism background checks to avoid State mandated criminal background checks.  

Sec. 1115. Seaman’s Shore Side Access:
Each facility security plan approved under section 70103(c) of title 46, United States Code, shall provide a system for seamen assigned to a vessel at that facility, pilots, and representatives of seamen's welfare and labor organizations to board and depart the vessel through the facility in a timely manner at no cost to the individual.

Sec. 1123. Requirements for Issuance of Transportation Security Cards:  Requires the Secretary to coordinate with owners and operators to allow individuals with pending TWIC applications to work in secure areas if others already in possession of a TWIC card escort the individuals.  This section establishes deadlines for the processing of TWIC applications by the Department, including Initial Determination of Threat Assessment letters, and appeal and waiver requests.

The engrossed Senate version removed all of these amendments from the original House bill. Because the House does not concur with the changes, the Senate and House will now go to conference over which version of the bill to pass. The conference committee will decide which bill will be submitted into law: the House version, with the amendments; Senate version, with none of them; or a mixture of the two.

What you need to do. Contact Congress today. We encourage you to contact your elected officials and share your thoughts on current events and government policy. Please refer to the attached “Tips for Writing Members of Congress” before drafting your letter. If you prefer calling, the following is information regarding the Capitol switchboard: House of Representatives 202-225-3121. Senators: 202-224-3121. Ask to be connected to your Senator or Representative. To find out your elected official, visit https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml. Below you will also find links to e-mail addresses, phone numbers, and faxes for key elected officials.

Key contacts for HR 3619 include:

Representative Mica (R-FL), the ranking Republican on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the House  

Phone: (202) 225-4035
Fax: (202) 226-0821

Email: http://mica.house.gov/Contact/ContactForm.htm

Rep. Cummings, Chair of the House Coast Guard Subcommittee (D-MD)

Phone:   (202) 225-4741

Fax:   (202) 225-3178

Email: https://cummingsforms.house.gov/contact/message-form.shtml

Rep. Jim Oberstar, (D-MN), Chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee

Phone: (202) 225-6211
FAX: (202) 225-0699

You many want to voice your support for the amendment allowing for Seaman’s Shore Side Access and your opposition to the lax TWIC escorting requirements.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Shareen Larmond

West Gulf Maritime Association

1717 E. Loop, Suite 200

Houston, Texas 77029

Office: (713) 715-6430 

Fax: (713) 672-7452

West Gulf Maritime Association is a trade association organized in early 1968 to represent the interests of ship owners, operators, agents, as well as stevedoring and terminal companies located in all ports from Brownsville, Texas to the Port of Lake Charles, La.

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