The American Maritime Congress is a research and educational organization dedicated to informing the public, the media, and our legislators in Washington, D.C. on issues affecting the U.S. merchant marine: the men and women who form the backbone of the Nation's economic and strategic security, as well as the companies that employ them. For nearly half a century, AMC has been bringing its message of ships and jobs to our nation's capital. Whether it's our ships sailing internationally, or our Jones Act domestic fleet, AMC is a leading advocate for responsible maritime policy, effective commercially operating fleet for our national and economic security, and a level playing field to ensure the success and continued viability of a U.S.-Flag maritime industry. The issues that confront the maritime industry and the American Merchant Marine are unique to both. Globalization, national security, free trade, economics, tax policy, national transportation policy, labor issues - all can be found within the maritime industry. The American Maritime Congress has long focused on the issues that directly affect our members - maritime policy, national defense policy, and tax policy.