Bill Summary
This legislation, titled "Expressing support for shipping on the Great Lakes and the potential for international container ship commerce," highlights the current issues with supply chain delays and congestion in the United States, specifically on the West Coast. It acknowledges the impact of these delays on businesses and the economy, and expresses concern over potential shortages of basic items. The legislation also notes that President Biden's 100-Day Reviews, which are focused on building resilient supply chains and promoting American manufacturing, do not mention the Great Lakes shipping operations or their potential for future growth. The Great Lakes are identified as an important trade route, handling millions of tons of cargo each year and supporting a significant number of jobs and economic activity. The legislation expresses support for reducing congestion at coastal ports and expanding options for importing and exporting goods, as well as recognizing the potential for international container ship traffic through the Great Lakes ports. Overall, the legislation emphasizes the importance of the Great Lakes and inland waterway ports in international trade commerce.
Possible Impacts
1. The legislation could potentially benefit people living in the Great Lakes region by creating more job opportunities and boosting economic activity.
2. The legislation could also benefit consumers by potentially reducing supply chain delays and lowering prices for goods.
3. On the other hand, the legislation could potentially negatively affect people living near coastal ports, as it may increase traffic and congestion in those areas.
[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 818 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 818
Expressing support for shipping on the Great Lakes and the potential
for international container ship commerce.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
November 18, 2021
Mr. Stauber (for himself and Mr. Bergman) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and
Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs,
and Ways and Means, for a period to be subsequently determined by the
Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall
within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for shipping on the Great Lakes and the potential
for international container ship commerce.
Whereas the United States is currently experiencing the worst peacetime supply
chain issues and delays in history;
Whereas container cargo ships sit idle off the coast of California;
Whereas some container ships sit idle there for up to 30 days;
Whereas ports on the West Coast have failed to accept cargo container ships in a
timely and efficient manner;
Whereas businesses are waiting weeks and sometimes months to receive expected
shipments, resulting in higher consumer prices;
Whereas 85 percent of American adults are concerned that supply chain problems
may lead to shortages of basic items;
Whereas President Biden's 100-Day Reviews under Executive Order 14017,
``Building Resilient Supply Chains, Revitalizing American Manufacturing,
and Fostering Broad-Based Growth'', makes no mention of current Great
Lakes shipping operations or future potential;
Whereas the Great Lakes consist of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, Lake
Ontario, and Lake Superior, and border the States of Michigan,
Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New
York;
Whereas the Great Lakes Saint Lawrence Seaway navigation system handles
160,000,000 tons of cargo annually;
Whereas Great Lakes Seaway shipping supports over 237,000 jobs;
Whereas Great Lakes Seaway shipping supports over $35,000,000,000 in annual
economic activity; and
Whereas while West Coast ports have experienced delays and a collapse of basic
supply chain operations, Great Lakes ports over the same period have
experienced no delays or backups: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports reducing congestion at high-volume coastal
ports and expanding options for importing and exporting goods;
(2) supports the potential for more international container
ship traffic through the Saint Lawrence Seaway and Great Lakes
ports; and
(3) expresses support for Great Lakes and inland waterway
ports and their current and future role in international trade
commerce.
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