Contact: Shana Stribling 202.224.0309
Thursday, October 3, 2002

WASHINGTON, DC - Senator Kit Bond today formally requested Presidential intervention in the labor disputes that have resulted in the shutdown of 29 West Coast seaports.

“We cannot afford a nationwide paralysis with Americans unable to send their products to market, retailers unable to stock their shelves, and families unable to buy everyday necessities. Mr. President, please act soon to save our economy from any further damage,” said Bond in his letter to the Administration.

The labor dispute between shipping companies and dockworkers that has shut down every port on the West Coast is estimated to have a net loss of $1 billion/day in the outset. If the embargo continues for ten days, the costs could be in the neighborhood of $20 billion in lost wages and commercial goods.

Bond stressed that a self-imposed trade embargo will continue a ripple effect throughout the economy, essentially letting petty differences threaten international trade and economic opportunity.

“I have heard from a growing number of importers and exporters in Missouri expressing their support for the President to assist in this stale-mate. Cattlemen, the Cotton Shippers, retail outlets and many others are already beginning to feel the effects. We must take immediate action,” said Bond.

Kit Bond is a member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee. Also, he served Missouri twice as Governor and now continues his service to Missourians in the United States Senate.