The American Salvage Association (ASA) awarded its Rapid Response Award on October 6, 2009 to Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, Chairman of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee.
The award was presented to Congressman Cummings in Arlington, Virginia, during the ASA co-sponsored National Maritime Salvage Conference, and was given for his leadership of the Subcommittee, his bold initiative and unwavering commitment to the publication of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Salvage and Marine Fire-fighting Regulations last December, and his support of the Wreck Oil Removal Program (WORP).
These initiatives will make the Coast Guard and the maritime industry stronger, safer and more environmentally sound today and for years to come.
As Chairman of the House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, Congressman Cummings oversees the implementation of the Coast Guard’s $9.6 billion FY 2009 budget. His subcommittee ensures the Coast Guard balances its critical homeland security missions with its other crucial priorities, including interdicting drugs before they reach America’s shores and conducting search and rescue missions.
Congressman Cummings has also helped resurrect the Baltimore Maritime Academy in his district, setting it on course to become the model for the rest of the nation's port school systems to follow.
”The ASA is delighted to have the opportunity to recognize Congressman Cummings’ many accomplishments on behalf of the Coast Guard and the maritime industry. He has directly addressed issues, met with stakeholders, dealt with problems and worked toward solutions in a most effective way,” said ASA President John A. Witte, Jr., who presented the award.