A bi-partisan House Ports Opportunity, Renewal, Trade and Security (PORTS) Caucus was formed yesterday to promote the importance of ports to the US economy and the need to secure them, CargonewsAsia reports.
The caucus was led by Democratic congressman Janice Hahn of California and her Republican Texas counterpart Ted Poe.
“As a long-time advocate for the Port of Los Angeles, I understand how vital the ports are for our nation’s economy,” said Hahn.
United States ports support 13.3 million jobs and account for $3.15 trillion in business activity to the economy.
“This bi-partisan caucus will bring together members who represent diverse ports across the country, so we will find ways together to promote our ports and keep them safe,” he said.
Poe said promoting and protecting US ports was critical to national and economic security.
“Ports are the gateway in and out of the United States. They are our country’s link to the rest of the world and the global economy,” he said.
The US is served by more than 350 commercial sea and river ports that support 3,200 cargo and passenger handling facilities. Every day 15 seaports serve all 50 states moving both imports and exports totaling some US$3.8 billion worth of goods. Additionally, ports move 99.4 percent of overseas cargo volume by weight and generate $3.95 trillion in international trade.
“Ports are a critical piece of our nation's economic infrastructure,” said Geraldine Knatz, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.
“Maintaining secure, reliable and efficient seaports will generate much needed jobs and make American businesses more competitive abroad,” she said.
“Because our nation’s seaports must remain a national priority, we stand ready to support representatives Hahn and Poe’s efforts to advance the issues of ports and the communities they serve.”
Floyd Gaspard, executive director of the Port of Port Arthur said the benefits of an efficient port reached every American in every state.
“As a region and a nation, sound investments in port infrastructure create supply chain efficiencies and make us globally competitive,” he said.
The caucus was led by Democratic congressman Janice Hahn of California and her Republican Texas counterpart Ted Poe.
“As a long-time advocate for the Port of Los Angeles, I understand how vital the ports are for our nation’s economy,” said Hahn.
United States ports support 13.3 million jobs and account for $3.15 trillion in business activity to the economy.
“This bi-partisan caucus will bring together members who represent diverse ports across the country, so we will find ways together to promote our ports and keep them safe,” he said.
Poe said promoting and protecting US ports was critical to national and economic security.
“Ports are the gateway in and out of the United States. They are our country’s link to the rest of the world and the global economy,” he said.
The US is served by more than 350 commercial sea and river ports that support 3,200 cargo and passenger handling facilities. Every day 15 seaports serve all 50 states moving both imports and exports totaling some US$3.8 billion worth of goods. Additionally, ports move 99.4 percent of overseas cargo volume by weight and generate $3.95 trillion in international trade.
“Ports are a critical piece of our nation's economic infrastructure,” said Geraldine Knatz, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles.
“Maintaining secure, reliable and efficient seaports will generate much needed jobs and make American businesses more competitive abroad,” she said.
“Because our nation’s seaports must remain a national priority, we stand ready to support representatives Hahn and Poe’s efforts to advance the issues of ports and the communities they serve.”
Floyd Gaspard, executive director of the Port of Port Arthur said the benefits of an efficient port reached every American in every state.
“As a region and a nation, sound investments in port infrastructure create supply chain efficiencies and make us globally competitive,” he said.