Viewpoint on "A Bill To Amend the Merchant Marine Act, 1936"

GAO was asked to give its views on S. 2786, 81st Congress, entitled "A Bill to amend the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, as amended, to further promote the development and maintenance of the American merchant marine, and for other purposes." Specifically, GAO was asked to consider (1) the present financial condition of ship operators, both subsidised and non-subsidised, forming the bulwark of the American merchant marine; (2) the present need for liberalizing the provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936; and (3) the administration by the Maritime Commission of existing provisions of law pertaining to the merchant marine.