U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster Serving Florida's 11th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Rep. Daniel Webster Serving Florida's 11th Congressional District | Official U.S. House headshot
Florida Congressman Daniel Webster, R-Clermont, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, along with T&I Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) and Republican members of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, have urged the Biden-Harris Administration to take action to prevent a potential work stoppage at East and Gulf coast ports. The lawmakers warned that such a strike could lead to "dire impacts to our supply chains, our economy, and the American consumer."
In their letter to the White House, 69 Members of Congress stated: “Given the devastating economic consequences of a potential strike and the Administration’s lack of engagement to date, we urge you to give immediate attention to this matter, to aid in these negotiations, and find a reasonable resolution to these contract disputes.” They further emphasized that “if a strike should occur, we urge the Administration to utilize every authority at its disposal to ensure the continuing flow of goods and avoid undue harm to American consumers and the Nation’s economy.”
The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), North America's largest union of maritime workers, has indicated that a strike may commence on October 1st if no agreement is reached with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) regarding a new labor contract.
The Members of Congress also highlighted concerns stemming from past disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic. They noted: “If a work stoppage occurred at East and Gulf Coast ports in October, estimates suggest that a one-week strike would take until mid-November to recover from and clear the backlog of cargo. Estimates further suggest that a two-week strike would take until 2025 to fully recover from. Lengthier strikes would have an even greater cascading disruption. Any of these situations would have serious consequences for American consumers and the holiday season.”
This appeal follows briefings received by Republican Committee Members from various supply chain stakeholders including representatives from the National Retail Federation, the National Association of Manufacturers, the American Forest & Paper Association, the National Cotton Council, and the American Trucking Associations.
Read the full letter here.
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