U.S.-flag ‘sail-In? to D.C. this week

U.S.-flag æSail-InÆ to D.C. this week    U.S. maritime industry representatives will arrive in Washington for the second-annual 'Sail-In' this Wednesday.
   The 'grassroots education event' was developed to update Capitol Hill lawmakers and their staff about the benefits of maintaining a strong U.S. maritime industry.
   'A wide array of maritime industry representatives from throughout the United States will visit Washington and share how U.S. shipyards, mariners and companies are working around the clock to keep our country safe and strong,' said James Henry, president of the Transportation Institute and board chairman of the American Maritime Partnership, in a statement.
   Last year's first Sail-In included participants from 20 states, 48 congressional districts, 28 companies, nine unions and labor organizations, and 10 related associations. This year more than 170 participants from across the United States are expected.
   Sail-In organizers said congressional officials and visitors who arrive in Washington on Tuesday can attend a photo exhibition about the American maritime industry. The exhibit is open to the public and can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Rayburn House Office Building's first-floor foyer on May 3.