Rep. Andrews Addresses Rising Concerns of Piracy Overseas

While the U.S. military and FBI attempted to negotiate with Somali pirates for the safe return of an American captain, Congressman Andrews appeared on Fox 29 "Good Day Philadelphia" to call for a change in the policies governing cargo ships in foreign waters. Currently, crews are not permitted to carry weapons. However, in light of the increasing number of hijackings, Congressman Andrews plans to revisit this policy joining other members of the House Armed Services Committee to address the growing dangers hidden in international waters.

Later in the week, as the USS Bainbridge patrolled the area surrounding the hijacked ship, Navy SEAL snipers shot and killed the remaining bandits rescuing Captain Richard Phillips, who had offered himself as a hostage so that his crew may reach safety. Although Congressman Andrews hoped for a peaceful solution to the hostage crisis, he told "Good Day Philadelphia" that the United States should be prepared to take immediate action to rescue the ship's captain through the use force.

Congressman Andrews later voiced his strong support of the U.S. Naval snipers' actions as the situation proved to be uncertain and increasingly dangerous. "If you do piracy you run the risk of death," Congressman Andrews told "Good Day Philadelphia. "If some of these pirates pay that price, piracy will dry in stock."

While piracy off the shores of Somalia remains to be a growing threat, Congressman Andrews continues to work with his colleagues in the Armed Services Committee to ensure that America's military has the best equipment and training to wipe out this problem at its source and maintain safety for those navigating peacefully over international waters.

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