Several members of Congress have called on the CDC to reinstate the No Sail Order for cruise ships that expired at the end of last month USA TODAY is reporting.
Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat senator from Connecticut, Rep. Doris Matsui, a Democrat from California, are co-sponsors of the Cruise Passenger Protection Act and sent have a letter to CDC Director Robert Redfield.
Blumenthal told the USA TODAY that the CDC is putting American lives at risk by allowing cruise lines to begin a phase-in return to cruising. The new Conditional Sail Order will allow cruise lines to begin service when the CDC approves of their new health and safety plans.
The two members of Congress want the No Sail Order to be extended until the health and safety of passengers and crew members can be assured their letter stated.
The letter also said that they feel the CDC should reverse course on their recent decision to allow a phase-in resumption of cruises from U.S. ports.
Blumenthal said that the pandemic must end before cruise ships can resume cruises.
Currently, all cruise lines have canceled cruises from U.S. ports through the end of the year.
No cruise lines have yet to receive approval for their cruise ships to resume service.