Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) this week received the 2013 Champion of Maritime Award from the American Maritime Partnership (AMP), a group representing the domestic maritime industry in New York and across the United States.

AMP provides the prestigious annual award to recognize an individual who has displayed extraordinary dedication to and consistent support for the American maritime industry.

As a member and former chairman of the U.S. House of Representatives Homeland Security Committee, Rep. King represents the voices of New York’s Second Congressional District, which is home to hundreds of high quality maritime jobs that are responsible for more than $38 million in economic activity.

During his time in Congress, Rep. King has been an outspoken advocate for a robust domestic maritime industry, which is essential to the advancement of the nation’s protection and security.

“Our nation’s maritime industry is part of the foundation of America’s national security. Last week marked the anniversary of the Boatlift of 9/11, when American maritime vessels rescued more than half a million people stranded on Manhattan after the attacks,” said Rep. Peter King.

“Even 12 years later, we are reminded again why it is so very important to have a vibrant American maritime fleet that will always be there to support the people of our great nation.”

“As a member of the House Homeland Security Committee, Rep. King deeply understands the integral role that American maritime plays in our nation’s safety and security,” AMP Chairman

Thomas Allegretti said. “He is a strong and unwavering advocate for the hard working men and women who make up our growing industry, and for that, we thank him as our Champion for 2013.”

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American Maritime Partnership (AMP) is the voice of the U.S. domestic maritime industry, a pillar of our nation‘s economic, national, and homeland security. More than 40,000 American vessels built in American shipyards, crewed by American mariners, and owned by American companies, operate in our waters 24/7, and this commerce sustains nearly 500,000 American jobs, $29 billion in labor compensation, and more than $100 billion in annual economic output. These vessels are so efficient that they carry a quarter of the nation‘s cargo for only 2 percent of the national freight bill, and being American owned, built and crewed helps make America more secure.