Remarks of Chairman J. Christopher Giancarlo at the Women’s History Month Event, Washington, D.C.
March 20, 2018
Every year, in March, America celebrates Women’s History Month. Thirty-one years ago, in 1987, Congress declared March as National Women’s History Month to mark the inspiration, accomplishments, and contributions of women in our public life, culture, and businesses.
Today, we have a guest speaker who is a Washington legend, an expert in her field, and a trail blazer: Rebecca Dye of the Federal Maritime Commission. Commissioner Dye has served four terms there as commissioner. Rebecca is known for her passionate and encyclopedic knowledge about maritime issues, her strong leadership, depth of knowledge, active mentorship, and remarkable drive throughout her career. As Rebecca has explained, the seas and waterways are our national and global highways, the source for the transportation of the vast majority of goods. And, when she speaks, people listen. Rebecca is internationally recognized as a scholar, advocate, and regulator, a brilliant mind in history, law, and global commerce.
And, she knows how to get things done in Washington. For example, in 2002, when she was first nominated to be a commissioner, she explained to a congressional committee why sound maritime policy was essential for American commerce. That ocean transportation accounts for 95 percent of cargo tonnage that moves in and out of the country. The senators listened intently. At that moment, she had come full circle, having been earlier on the other side of the table, as counsel to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
That career started in the Coast Guard, with a commission as a lieutenant in 1979. She then served as a White House Military Social Aid during the Carter and Reagan administrations. Numerous accomplishments followed, including professor on the law faculty of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and in several positions in health care, business, and government. But a key theme has been a life of service and giving.
Commissioner Dye continues to share her views with the nation, especially on topics like commercial shipping and international agreements, maritime safety, and security issues. Now, today, she has come to CFTC, to talk to us, the regulators of the commodities inside the containers on those ships. This is a unique moment, made possible by Women’s History Month.
We are pleased to have her with us. Ladies and gentlemen, Commissioner Rebecca Dye.