Urging the President, the Executive Director of the Maritime Administration and Congress to purchase the SS United States, designate it as a National Historic Landmark, restore it and name it the flagship of our nation.
Summary
Senate Joint Memorial 10 is a nonbinding Oregon legislative memorial urging federal action to preserve the SS United States, the historic ocean liner built in 1950–1951 and long known as “America’s Flagship.” The memorial asks the President, the Maritime Administration, and Congress to purchase the ship from Okaloosa County, Florida, using transferred Department of Defense funds, designate it a national landmark, restore it to full working condition, and name it the official flagship of the United States.
The memorial’s findings emphasize the ship’s historical and engineering significance, including its Blue Riband speed record, its status as the largest ocean liner built entirely in the United States, and its unique place as one of the last remaining classic multi-stack ocean liners. It also notes that the vessel was in danger of being sunk off Florida’s Gulf Coast to become part of an artificial reef, which the memorial characterizes as a loss to national heritage.
Impact
Because SJM 10 is a joint memorial, it does not change Oregon statutes or create enforceable state law. Its practical effect is to express the Oregon Legislature’s position and formally communicate that position to federal officials and Oregon’s congressional delegation. The measure seeks to influence federal ownership, preservation, historic designation, and restoration decisions regarding the SS United States, but any action would depend on Congress, the President, and federal agencies rather than Oregon law.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment around the memorial appears strongly favorable, with broad support in the Senate. The committee vote to adopt the measure with amendments was 4-1, and the Senate final reading passed 21-4, indicating substantial bipartisan or cross-faction support despite some dissent. The bill text itself is celebratory and preservation-oriented, framing the ship as an important national symbol and engineering achievement worth saving.
Contention
The main point of contention is not about Oregon law but about the proposed federal remedy and the fate of the ship itself. Supporters want the SS United States preserved, restored, and kept afloat as a national flagship, while the memorial opposes the plan to sink it as an artificial reef off Florida. The use of transferred Department of Defense funds and the request for federal purchase and designation may also be seen as ambitious or unusual, which likely explains the limited dissent reflected in the votes.