The following is the text of a press release issued by U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings:
(WASHINGTON) — Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, will convene a Subcommittee hearing to examine the circumstances surrounding the collision of a barge and tanker vessel in the Mississippi River near New Orleans, La. The spill, which occurred on July 23, 2008, resulted in the release of several hundred thousand gallons of oil into the River.
The focus of the hearing will include safety on the inland waterway system, including the manning and hours of service on towing vessels, as well as the Coast Guard’s development of regulations for safety inspections of the towing vessel fleet as required by the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004.
WHO: Congressman Elijah E. Cummings, Chairman, House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation
WHAT: Subcommittee Hearing on the July Oil Spill in New Orleans and Safety on the Inland River System
WHEN: Tuesday, September 16th, 2008, 10am
WHERE: 2167 Rayburn House Office Building
