For 3 days this May, Jason Dunbar was invited to Washington D.C. joining the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and other members of the Marine Industry to lobby the 114th U.S. Congress.  Jason spoke with the staff of several US Senators to discuss the benefits of changing a 108 year old law that restricts U.S. residents from buying foreign flagged vessels while in U.S. waters. ( See FYBA Ripple Effect Video)

The offices of Senators Stabenow, Burr, Inhofe, Isakson, and Rubio were all supportive toward the goal of modernizing a law that should have been changed many years ago.  A change in the law seems promising, as the current climate in the Ways and Means Committee is to remove outdated laws that pose hindrances to small businesses.  Representative Louis Frankel has drafted language that will allow U.S. residents to inspect and purchase foreign flagged vessels while in U.S. waters, Senator Nelson’s office has indicated they will also sponsor the language in the Senate.  Currently, Rep. Frankel’s language is being vetted by legal counsel to assure it is not in conflict with any treaties we have with our most favored nations.  The FYBA is hopeful the language will be approved this year or in the Spring Congressional session of 2016.  Soon, U.S. residents should be able to board and buy boats that have entered in to U.S. waters with the intent of doing commerce.