Ports + Politics

Maritime commerce relies not on one single port or terminal, but a system of harbors, ports and waterways that help move goods from suppliers to manufacturers and consumers. Maintaining and improving that system requires sustained federal investment. * By U.S. Congressman Alan Lowenthal, CA-47 * In Congress, I’m honored to serve as the Democratic co-chair of the Congressional Ports Caucus. ...

Despite the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s embrace of technology, there remains a strong need for a trained, professional workforce at the seaports. To fill these vacancies and in anticipation of receiving future funding for even more positions, CBP is aggressively recruiting at all ports, including seaports. * By Todd C. Owen, U.S. Customs and Border Protection * United States ...

In many ways, our nation’s 300+ ports – from the largest ports in Seattle, Long Beach and Savannah, to small ports in rural communities up and down our coastlines and along our rivers – are the workhorses of the infrastructure world. * By Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) * When people hear the phrase “infrastructure investment,” they may think of a ...

We have a lot of work to do in order to ensure that our water resources system can sustain the competitiveness of the American economy and protect our national security, and WRRDA 2016 offers a critical, timely opportunity to do just that. By Congressman Garret Graves (LA-06)— The United States is a maritime nation. Much of our country’s success, and ...

In August 2017, the third edition was issued to update the catalog of resources and to enhance the formatting and accessibility. It is now available online at www.CMTS.gov. By Helen Brohl, CMTS The U.S. Committee on the Marine Transportation System (www.CMTS.gov) is an interagency policy coordinating committee, established by presidential directive in 2004 and authorized in statute in 2012 to, ...

America’s more than 300 ports are a vital part of a strong and healthy economy connecting manufacturers, businesses and farmers to the global marketplace and creating vital jobs for hardworking Americans. By Elaine L. Chao, U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary America’s more than 300 ports are a vital part of a strong and healthy economy connecting manufacturers, businesses and farmers ...

Security measures are much different than 20 years ago, and as we experience and deal with new threats, we must take the lessons learned and build on that framework. By Albio Sires (NJ-08) Safety at our country’s ports is not only essential to our economy but critical to our national security. Each day ships arrive at our shores carrying cargo ...

After eight years in office, the nation is seeing the results of the Obama Administration’s prioritization of maritime ports. The bottom line? Fifty-six port infrastructure grants representing nearly $1.6 billion in port investment are either completed or are presently underway. Read more… By Paul “Chip” N. Jaenichen, Maritime Administrator