b'original funding level for the RRF program,in vessel operators search for qualifi edService, the associations board of directors Congress substantially underestimated theemployees has endorsed this legislation, which has need, resulting in only one in three qualifi edalready been passed by the U.S. House applicants actually obtaining help. Thus, while Proposals to aid vessel operators toof Representatives; andsome PVA members obtained Restaurant Actrepower using cleaner engines and aid, other equally qualifi ed members werealternative technologies; Possible reinstatement of the frustrated when the funds ran out before theyEmployee Retention Tax Credit. received awards. Senate passage of the Veterans in ParksIt expired in September.(VIP) Act, to allow veterans, membersConsideration of legislation that wouldof Gold Star families, and active-dutyAnyonewhowishestoknowmore supersede the Passenger Vessel Services Actmilitary members to enter units of theabouttheworkofthePVALegislative (one of Americas cabotage laws, like the JonesNational Park system without paying anCommittee or who may wish to join it is Act) for large cruise ships sailing from theadmission fee. Acknowledging that PVAencouragedtocontactPVAsLegislative lower 48 to Alaska. PVA has always been amembers that hold water transportationDirectorEdWelchat571.275.2066or strong supporter of the PVSA, as it reservesconcession contracts with the Parkewelch@passengervessel.com.the carriage of passengers between U.S. ports to vessels that are U.S.-fl agged, U.S.-built, U.S.-crewed, and U.S.-owned. The large cruise ships that visit Alaska in the summer are foreign-fl agged, so they have traditionally had to stop in Canada on their way north from the lower 48. Canadas exclusion of these vessel because of the pandemic eviscerated theThe Trusted Source for Alaskan summer cruise season and battered the economy of southeast Alaska. Quality Wiper Systems Further legislative responses to the fatal fi re on the dive boat Conception. Specifi cally, Senator Feinstein and Congressman Carbajal (both of California) propose to restrict the operator of a small passenger vessel (one of less than 100 gross tons carrying no more than 49 overnight passengers or no more than 149 passengers otherwise) from invoking the federal Limitation of Liability Act after a casualty; Review of so-called right to repair legislation for purchasers of consumer electronic products, agricultural equipment, and marine engines;Federal assistance to ferries pursuant to the just-enacted Infrastructure and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58);Continuation of and increased funding for the Maritime Administrations Small Shipyard Grant program. PVA associate members that operate shipyards have benefi ted from it by receiving grants for capital improvements; The need for legislation to encourage the creation of a standard of impairment for users of cannabis products. This might supplant the existing drug testing regime which detectsTHRUSTERSLIGHTINGSEATINGDOORSTRIM CONTROLWIPERSCONTROLSwhether an individual has used marijuana at some point but which does not determine that the person is impaired for work purposes. A switch to an impairment standard could assistwww.imtra.com 508.995.7000DECEMBER 2021 31 LEGISLATIVE REPORT'