(SitNews) Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, and Congressman Don Young, all (R-AK) introduced bicameral legislation to provide a one year extension of the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act (ATRA) , which was signed into law in May 2021. 

Under the Passenger Vessel Services Act (PVSA), foreign vessels must stop at a foreign port between U.S. ports. While Canada’s borders are currently open to international travelers, they were not in 2021 which is why Alaska’s Congressional delegation pushed for and received a one year exemption from the PVSA. This new extension ensures that if Canada closes its borders during 2022, the Alaska delegation is ready and able to again temporarily authorize foreign-flagged passenger vessels to bypass Canada. 

“Alaska’s economy and our communities should not be at the mercy of decisions made by the Canadian government and I will do whatever is needed to ensure Alaskans can prosper,” said Senator Murkowski. “The introduction of this legislation provides another tool in our tool box in the event that it is needed. It also sends a message to the world that Alaska is ready and excited to welcome visitors to our state this upcoming season.”   

“The losses from the cancelled 2020 cruise ship season left many of our small businesses across Southeast devastated and in the red, not to mention the communities and workers they support,” said Sen. Sullivan. 

Sullivan said, “We were able to salvage a portion of the 2021 season with the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, but these hard-working Alaskans are still a long way from their pre-pandemic strength. Simply put, we need a banner year for visitors in 2022. Alaskans cannot gamble again on the goodwill and commonsense of our Canadian neighbors, who failed us last year. Senator Murkowski, Congressman Young, and I are asking our colleagues to again recognize the unique challenge the PVSA poses to Alaska and grant a one-year extension of our Alaska Tourism Restoration Act as we all work together on a longer-term exemption from the PVSA’s antiquated restrictions.”

Congressman Don Young said, "We find ourselves here again: despite vastly declining COVID-19 cases, a higher vaccination rate than any other mode of transportation, and proven viral mitigation measures, Canada cannot guarantee that they will not take actions that may disrupt a complete and robust 2022 Alaskan Cruise season. While the cruise industry and Canadian authorities continue conversations, and progress has been made, formal legislation is a necessary insurance policy to protect Alaskan livelihoods.”

Young said,  “Last year, despite long odds, our small but mighty Delegation did what many thought was impossible by securing a PVSA waiver allowing domestic cruise voyages to bypass Canada entirely. We value our Canadian neighbors and recognize that the economies of both countries benefit greatly from tourism. Canada is a sovereign nation, and they are free to govern themselves as they choose, but so shall Alaska and the United States. As such, I continue to believe that a permanent solution is necessary so that Alaska's economy is not subject to the actions of a foreign government."

Young said he is proud to join Senators Murkowski and Sullivan in introducing legislation to extend the successful Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, which passed Congress unanimously last year and was swiftly signed into law by the President. He said, "As it did for the 2021 summer cruise season, this bill would waive the PVSA's foreign stop requirement, permitting domestic voyages to travel from the Lower 48 directly to Alaska. Here is the truth: Alaska's 2021 cruise season commenced with far lower COVID infection rates than air travel. There were no deaths, and the virus was not spread to our communities. We can do this safely, and the Alaska-grown mom-and-pop businesses who depend on a strong tourism sector count on us to do everything within our power to ensure a successful summer.

Young said, "Should Canada take any action to disrupt the 2022 Alaskan season, we stand ready to move this legislation for a second consecutive year. If there is one takeaway from the previously successful effort, it is this: never underestimate Alaska's Congressional Delegation."

Edited By: Mary Kauffman, SitNews



Source of News:

Office of US Sen. Lisa Murkowski
www.murkowski.senate.gov

Office of US Sen. Dan Sullivan
www.sullivan.senate.gov

Office of Congressman Don Young
www.donyoung.house.gov

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