Illinois Congresswoman Bustos Votes to Pass Ocean Shipping Reform Act
Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted for the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a bipartisan bill to crack down on high fees being imposed by international ocean shipping companies. The legislation will address supply chain issues and rising costs facing consumers while ensuring that American farmers can get their products to the global market.
“As we work to fight inflation, fixing our supply chains and cracking down on corporate greed are key,” said Congresswoman Bustos. “Today, the House passed a bipartisan bill to bring accountability to giant ocean shipping companies to stop their price gouging of American consumers and family farmers. This bill will help us get products moving more effectively, efficiently and cheaply between us and the global market.”
Cheri Bustos of Moline is in her 4th term as Congresswoman for Illinois’ 17th District.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, American consumers shifted to buying larger volumes of goods online. The resulting port congestion has left American exporters, including American farmers, struggling to get their products to global markets because of unpredictable sailings, ocean carriers denying American cargo, and skyrocketing freight costs. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act will level the playing field for American exporters and importers by providing the Federal Maritime Commission the tools it needs to improve oversight over international shipping companies and crack down on rising shipping fees that are felt by American consumers.
The Ocean Shipping Reform Act will now be sent to President Biden, who is expected to sign the bill into law.
