WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., has received the 32^nd annual Salute to Congress Award by the International Propeller Club of the United States.  The award recognizes a member of Congress each year for supporting the maritime industry and merchant marine. Wicker is a senior member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over interstate commerce, the Coast Guard, inland waterways, and the merchant marine.

“I appreciate this recognition by the International Propeller Club and the work it does on behalf of our merchant marine,” Wicker said. “The value of the U.S. maritime industry cannot be overstated. Our mariners, shipyards, and Coast Guard are essential to keeping our economy strong and protecting our nation. I will continue to support efforts that advance this crucial part of America’s transportation system.”

House Speaker Tip O’Neill was the first recipient of the Salute to Congress Award in 1985. Majority Leader Trent Lott, who introduced Wicker at the event on May 11, received the award in 1997. A full list of past recipients can be found here.

The International Propeller Club is a nonprofit, international association dedicated to promoting the maritime industry, commerce, and global trade. It has more than 80 chapters in port cities across the United States and around the world.

Wicker, a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Seapower. He is a member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, which recently passed a new water resources bill aimed at making targeted investments to the nation’s ports and waterways. He serves on the Board of Visitors for both the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the Coast Guard Academy.