SCHUBERT READY FOR ROLE AS MARAD ADMINISTRATOR

SCHUBERT READY FOR ROLE AS MARAD ADMINISTRATOR    At his confirmation before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Capt. William G. Schubert affirmed that he is ready to become the new administrator of the Maritime Administration.
   “The Maritime Administration is the promotional agency for the U.S. maritime industry,” Schubert told the committee Thursday. “I am committed to managing the agency’s staff and resources in a way that provides the best value to the government and industry.”
   Schubert, president of International Trade & Transportation Inc., based in Houston, has 27 years of experience in the maritime industry. He has also spent four years (1986 to 1990) as an offshore industry expert advising MarAd in policy development for the management, maintenance, and liquidation of assets under the Federal Ship Financing Program. He also spent another five years (1990 to 1995)as MarAd’s representative in the U.S. Southwest. Schubert is a 1974 graduate of the U.S. Maritime Academy and served 12 years as an officer on U.S.-flag vessels.
   Some the current issues facing MarAd is its future role in overseas military operations and homeland security against terrorism, and possible overhaul of the Title XI loan guarantee program. Schubert said it’s the administrator’s job to create “sound policies” to promote the U.S.-flag'maritime industry.
   Sen. John B. Breaux, D-La., chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, said Schubert’s job should be to get a better return for the U.S.-flag maritime industry, which spends about $22 billion annually in taxes and receives only about $5 billion in return. He said the next MarAd administrator must “nag” Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta to ensure that U.S. maritime issues are heard.
   Schubert said the problem with the U.S. maritime industry is that it remains largely removed from the public. “Most Americans aren’t aware of the size and overall impact of the maritime industry on the economy,”'he said.
   Schubert’s nomination could be included in a roll count vote as early as Thursday night, a Senate staffer said. Breaux said he would like to have'Schubert’s nomination approved by the Senate before Thanksgiving.