FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

 

CONTACT: Mara Lee 

(202) 225-7163

 

Congresswoman Doris Matsui Supports Senate Efforts To Make Cruise Vacations
Safe for American Families

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui (D-CA) applauded
Senator John F. Kerry (D-MA) and Senate Commerce, Science and Technology
Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) for their commitment to keep
Americans aware and protected while on cruise vacations, and for moving the
Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009 through the Senate Committee.
Representative Matsui and Senator Kerry introduced this legislation earlier
this year after holding multiple hearings which made apparent the gross
inadequacies of current cruise safety provisions. 

"The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009 will ensure the safety
and protection of millions of Americans who embark on cruises each year,"
said Congresswoman Matsui.  "For far too long, American families have
unknowingly been at risk on cruise ships."

"The term 'duty free' does not apply to the safety of passengers," said
Senator Kerry.  "Murky lines of jurisdiction are no longer an excuse for
risking the safety of millions of Americans who will board cruise ships this
year.  Security, safety, and accountability must all be strengthened to hold
criminals accountable and end the cycle of serious crimes on these vessels.
I thank Chairman Rockefeller for giving this issue the timely attention it
deserves and look forward to working with my colleagues to quickly move this
legislation to the Senate floor."

Rep. Matsui became aware of the need for increased protections for Americans
one of her constituents, Laurie Dishman, wrote to her for help in April,
2006.  Ms. Dishman was the victim of a sexual assault while on a cruise
vacation, and was given no assistance by the cruise line in properly
securing evidence of the assault, identifying her attacker who was an
employee of the cruise ship, or prosecuting the crime once back on shore.
Frustrated, Ms. Dishman reached out to her Congresswoman, who in turn called
for multiple hearings on this issue and co-authored the legislation in
partnership with Senator Kerry.  

"We learned during Congressional hearings that there has not been a
conviction of an accused rape in recent history.  With continued news
coverage of recent rapes on cruise ships, it is clear that legislation is
both urgent and necessary," said Matsui.  "I applaud Senator Kerry and the
Committee for making the safety of Americans a priority, and look forward to
making significant progress moving this legislation forward in the coming
weeks." 

The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009 incorporates the
recommendations and priorities of the International Cruise Victims
Association (ICV), a nonprofit organization that represents victims of
crimes on cruise ships, as well as the Rape, Abuse, Incest National Network
(RAINN).  

"This is truly an historic day in process of putting legislating in place to
control and improve safety for passengers on cruise ships," said Ken Carver,
President of ICV.  "International Cruise Victims Association are indebted to
Congresswoman Matsui and Senator Kerry for what they have done.  I also want
to say this would not have happened without the dedications of the many
voluntary members of ICV whose passion and dedication to this cause has been
essential to make this happen - this truly been a team effort."


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-- 
Emily K. Ball
emilykball@gmail.com