Hahn and Poe Found Bipartisan PORTS Caucus

Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Janice Hahn (D-CA) and Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) announced the formation of the bipartisan House Ports Opportunity, Renewal, Trade, and Security (PORTS) Caucus. The caucus’ mission will be to promote the importance of our ports to the nation’s economy and the need to secure them. United States ports support 13.3 million jobs and account for $3.15 trillion in business activity to the economy.

“As a long-time advocate for the Port of Los Angeles, I understand how vital the ports are for our nation’s economy,” explained Rep. Hahn. “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.” 

“Promoting and protecting our nation’s ports is critical to both national security and economic security,” said Rep. Poe. “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. I look forward to working with Representative Hahn to building an effective congressional caucus that advocates on the behalf of ports nationwide.”

The United States is served by more than 350 commercial sea and river ports that support 3,200 cargo and passenger handling facilities. Each day United States ports move both imports and exports totaling some $3.8 billion worth of goods through all 50 states. Additionally, ports move 99.4 percent of overseas cargo volume by weight and generate $3.95 trillion in international trade.  Given the importance of ports to our national economy, they must remain competitive and secure.

“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.  Because our nation’s seaports must remain a national priority, we stand ready to support Rep. Hahn and Rep. Poe’s efforts to advance the issues of ports and the communities they serve.”

“We support Congressman Poe’s efforts to raise awareness of all the nation’s ports and port communities,” said Floyd Gaspard, Executive Director of the Port of Port Arthur. “Our ports represent a vital part of our nation’s economic engine and are key to continued success. Seaports of all sizes from all regions of the country create sustainable jobs and economic growth. The benefits of a efficient port reach 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.”  

Every congressional district in the country is dependent on U.S. ports, from the products on store shelves to the technology in our living rooms. Ports allow businesses, large and small, access to markets around the world and the opportunity to grow and create new American jobs.  

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