As we take steps to protect our communities, we must also ensure we're supporting the essential workers who risk their health daily to keep our nation alive and safe.

That's why after hearing from the maritime community about the unprecedented challenges and the impact of COVID-19 on the economy, I along with my colleague Sean Patrick Maloney of New York, introduced the Maritime Transportation System Emergency Relief Act to keep the American maritime industry safe and strong during times of crisis.

The maritime industry, which deals with transporting cargo via water, employs tens of thousands of people across the country. Our ports receive hundreds of shipments– millions of tons of food, fuel, supplies, and raw materials – each day. In fact, about half of all of our country's imports arrive by sea.

Our policies right now don't allow the maritime industry to access enough emergency federal support, leaving parts of our supply chain isolated and exposed. Our bill would create a clear pathway for the industry to get assistance in an emergency, and ensure that we have the equipment, facilities, and people our country needs to keep critical goods moving during major natural disasters – including pandemics.

The essential workers in the maritime industry are keeping our country alive during the pandemic, and we owe them our deepest gratitude. As we look to the months ahead and to future crises, we must commit to making sure they have the resources and equipment they need to do their crucial work and stay safe while doing so.

Peter