FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dec. 8, 2021

Contact: MacKensie Kvalvik, [email protected]

House Passes Blue Dog-Endorsed Ocean Shipping Reform Act

WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which is bipartisan legislation to bolster the Federal Maritime Commission, strengthen the overseas supply chain, and ensure fairness in the global ocean shipping industry. The Blue Dog Coalition endorsed the legislation last month.

Rep. Kurt Schrader, a Co-Chair of the Blue Dog Coalition, issued the following statement upon the bill’s passage:

“H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, is yet another bipartisan victory for the American people,” said Rep. Schrader (OR-05). “The bill updates federal maritime laws for the first time in nearly 25 years and strengthens the overseas supply chain so American families, consumers and businesses are not left paying the price. This legislation works to address unfair shipping practices by tackling the worst instances of abuse from bad actors in the shipping industry in an effort to boost our country’s global competitiveness. The legislation, which has received widespread support from groups including importers, exporters, the transportation sector, as well as leaders in agriculture and forest products— huge industries in Oregon’s 5^th Congressional District—shows how necessary these changes are for the country. The Senate should pass this critical, broadly-supported legislation without delay to resolve the supply chain struggles impacting Americans.”

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The Blue Dog Coalition is an official caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives comprised of fiscally-responsible Democrats, who are leading the way to find commonsense solutions. They are pragmatic Democrats, appealing to the mainstream values of the American public. The Blue Dogs are dedicated to pursuing fiscally-responsible policies, ensuring a strong national defense for our country, and transcending party lines to get things done for the American people. Visit our website to learn more, and get the latest news updates by following us on Twitter or liking us on Facebook.