Schrier Pushes Senate To Pass Ocean Shipping Reform Act

Washington Representative Kim Schrier is pushing for the Ocean Shipping Reform Act to move through the Senate. The measure, which has already cleared the House, would enhance the powers of the Federal Maritime Commission to regulate the shipping industry during the current supply chain disruption. The 8^th District Democrat says farmers across the Evergreen state are being especially hurt by the disruptions.

"All of our agricultural producers have these really good long existing relationships with buyers overseas, and it's jeopardizing those relationships and can have really long term impacts."

Schrier added the Ocean Shipping Reform Act would ensure a more competitive global ocean shipping industry. She also noted the six international shippers who control the import-export market, do not have the interest of U.S. farmers at heart.

"Farmers essentially refer to them as a cartel," Schrier said. "And they're stuck paying whatever price they ask because they'll get blackballed if they don't. So, they can't even be a squeaky wheel.  And we need the Federal Maritime Commission to be able to crack down on these abusive practices."

Click Here to read the Ocean Shipping Reform Act in its entirety.

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