Lawmakers says USDA’s program to help improve shipping rates is a good first step but will not solve the supply chain problems that are plaguing exports. Rep. John Garamendi of California says legislative action is also needed to force the ocean carriers to carry both imports and exports in and out of U.S. ports.
He told Secretary Vilsack during a webinar on shipping issues that the only way the Port of Oakland will be able to correct the logjam at the ports is to use a legislative sledge hammer.
Garamendi and Rep. Dusty Johnson of South Dakota have introduced the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021. Johnson says that legislation will provide the tools and reciprocity needed to alleviate the supply chain crisis.
Johnson says they’re urging their colleagues in the Senate to pass similar legislation. Currently Senators John Thune of South Dakota and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota are working on a companion bill.
