AMO Currents - Propeller Club salutes Congressman Norm Dicks

AMO Currents - Posted: May 10, 2012

Propeller Club salutes Congressman Norm Dicks

The International Propeller Club of the United States presented Congressman Norm Dicks (D-WA) with the Salute to Congress Award for 2012, recognizing his strong and consistent support of the U.S. maritime industry and American merchant marine throughout his career in Congress.

During his presentation, Rep. Dicks discussed the crucial role served by the U.S. merchant marine in wartime sealift operations for the American armed forces, as well as his support for U.S. maritime laws and programs that support the U.S.-flag industry. "In a wartime situation, 90 percent of what goes to that war goes by sea," Rep. Dicks said.

"I've been a supporter of the Jones Act, and I don't know if many of you know it, but Wesley Jones - the author of the bill - was from Washington State," he said.

Rep. Dicks was first elected to Congress in 1976 has represented Washington State's 6th District ever since.

Rep. Dicks serves as the ranking Democrat on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. Among his other committee positions, Rep. Dicks is the ranking member of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.

Throughout his career in Congress, Rep. Dicks has taken a leading role in supporting key elements of U.S. maritime policy, including the Jones Act and Maritime Security Program, and in affirming the important roles of the U.S. merchant fleet in national security, defense and commerce.

"I want to thank you for this honor," Rep. Dicks said. "I've always had a great respect for the merchant marine."