I believe he was referring to the usual suspects in the general US business sphere. Not the MSP companies specifically.
I work for one of them and don’t see how they “need” this extra money. It sure appears to be their lobbying arm seeing the potential for some free money from uncle moneybags and throwing out the bait to see what bites.
Navy League 5/15
Maritime Security Program COVID Support:
Without assistance during this COVID-19 pandemic U.S.-flag vessel operators participating in the Maritime Security Program (MSP) will not be able to maintain laid-up vessels in the readiness status needed by the Department of Defense, and the licensed and unlicensed American merchant mariners will be facing protracted unemployment. Ask your Representative to sign a letter of support!
I’m not particularly opposed to giving away another $220 million of Uncle Sam’s borrowed money but definitely won’t support it without some explanation on how each ship would get an additional $1.83 million. Crew bonuses, benefits for stuck mariners, bigger flatscreens for crew quarters or some special infectious control equipment sure. But not a check with no earmarks. I support The Navy League but they’re not providing enough details for me to put my digital John Hancock on their prewritten letter. This is the first time I recall not signing & sending something they suggested.