Portman Applauds Passage of House Companion Bill to Keep Delta Queen Running

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) today applauded the passage of legislation introduced by U.S. Congressmen Steve Chabot (OH-1) and Brad Wenstrup (OH-2) in the U.S. House of Representatives that would allow the Delta Queen Ohio to carry passengers on overnight trips on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. Portman and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate in May 2013.

“The Delta Queen is a Cincinnati treasure.  I'm pleased the House passed this important measure to keep the Delta Queen afloat in our Queen City and I will work to ensure the Senate takes swift action,” said Portman.

The 1966 Safety at Sea law prohibits wooden ships of a certain size—like the Delta Queen—from carrying passengers on overnight trips. The Senate bill would grant a 15-year exemption to this rule, which was standard practice until 2008.

The Delta Queen, designated as a National Historic Landmark, is currently moored in Chattanooga, TN but was owned by a Cincinnati company from 1946-1985.