AMO Currents - Senator Hirono receives 2017 Salute to Congress Award

AMO Currents - Posted: May 5, 2017

Senator Hirono receives 2017 Salute to Congress Award

On May 2, members of U.S. maritime labor and industry gathered to honor Senator Mazie Hirono (D-HI), who was presented with the 2017 Salute to Congress Award by the International Propeller Club of the United States.

"Serving the state of Hawaii, where maritime is so important and the Jones Act is so important for practically 90 percent of the goods delivered to Hawaii, I understand the importance of the Jones Act," Sen. Hirono said. "But the Jones Act is important not just for the kind of reliable service for the people of the state of Hawaii but for the role the Jones Act plays in national security."

The Salute to Congress Award recognizes a member of Congress each year for supporting the maritime industry and merchant marine.

"We are so pleased to be able to honor Senator Hirono with the Salute to Congress," said Propeller Club International President Rick Schiappacasse. "We are grateful for her leadership as ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee's Subcommittee on Seapower and her advocacy for the merchant marine and the Jones Act."

Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA), the 2015 recipient of the Salute to Congress Award, introduced Sen. Hirono at the ceremony.

Sen. Hirono is the 33rd recipient of the Salute to Congress Award and is a stalwart advocate for the Jones Act, the Maritime Security Program, cargo preference, and other laws and programs essential to the U.S. merchant marine.

"Our country is really a maritime-based country and I am here for you," she said. "Know that I am on your side."