Sen. Moran Urges Biden Administration to Address National Port Strikes

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) called on the Biden administration to address the maritime port strikes across the United States following the contract expiration between the International Longshoreman (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance.

"In Kansas, countless industries depend on the free movement of commerce domestically and internationally," wrote Sen. Moran. "All of our trading partners depend on the timely and efficient receipt of goods. Of particular concern is the ability of Kansas farmers to move their goods for humanitarian efforts in countries in greatest need. Similarly, Kansas depends on imports so that our farmers and ranchers receive critical inputs like fertilizer and crop management tools that allow growers to produce the highest quality food, fiber, and fuels."

The full letter can be found here and below:

Dear President Biden,

As we head into the busy holiday and harvest season, Americans across the country, including Kansas, depend on the efficient flow of commerce through our incoming and outgoing maritime ports. The International Longshoreman (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) are currently deadlocked in negotiating a new master contract, which is set to expire on September 30, 2024. I have serious concerns about the potential consequences of a major strike at our ports and your administration's lack of engagement with the two parties thus far. I urge your administration to take leadership to ensure that families in Kansas and across America are not saddled with the economic impacts of a potential port strike.

As you know, any delay at our maritime ports inland or otherwise due to contract negotiations will impact nearly every industry and countless jobs within Kansas and throughout the country, from retail and manufacturing to agriculture and transportation. Looking back on the impacts of COVID-19, the pandemic brought ports and warehouses to capacity, leading to costly delays at numerous ports, ultimately increasing the cost of goods for American families. Your administration can step in today to mitigate these consequences.

In Kansas, countless industries depend on the free movement of commerce domestically and internationally. Kansas continues to be a net exporter of goods, with over $14 billion of goods from the aerospace industry, agricultural food, fiber, fuels, and machinery parts reaching international trading partners. All of our trading partners depend on the timely and efficient receipt of goods. Of particular concern is the ability of Kansas farmers to move their goods for humanitarian efforts in countries in greatest need. Similarly, Kansas depends on imports so that our farmers and ranchers receive critical inputs like fertilizer and crop management tools that allow growers to produce the highest quality food, fiber, and fuels.

Your administration must show leadership and encourage both parties to return to the negotiating table to find a reasonable, long-term solution. If an agreement is not made, American families and businesses will face the brunt of an already difficult economy.

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