WASHINGTON, DC – In the wake of the capture of the MV Maersk Alabama and the dramatic rescue of Captain Richard Phillips, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt today announced that the House Foreign Affairs Oversight Subcommittee will hold a hearing on Thursday April 30 to examine international efforts to combat piracy.   

The recent wave of pirate hijackings has focused the world’s attention on the increased need to protect vessels from criminal activities on the sea.  This hearing will be the first of a series that will explore the current legal framework guiding the fight against piracy and what the United States and the international community is doing to protect ships from future hijackings.  

Acting Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Stephen Mull will testify about current U.S. government efforts to work with the international community to combat ocean piracy and protect American interests on the seas.  Judge Advocate General and Chief Counsel of the U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral William Baumgartner is expected to discuss the legal framework guiding the U.S.’s actions and how international law will affect future U.S. and international efforts to curtail pirate hijackings and violence.

DATE:                  Thursday April 30, 2009

TIME:                  1:00 P.M.

LOCATION:       Room 2172 of the Rayburn House Office Building

SUBJECT:            International Efforts To Combat Maritime Piracy

WITNESSES:      

The Honorable Stephen D. Mull
Acting Under Secretary for
Arms Control and International Security
U.S. Department of State

Rear Admiral William D. Baumgartner
Judge Advocate General and Chief Counsel
United States Coast Guard

Witnesses Subject to Change.

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