Senate to Hold US Ports Hearing

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) will convene the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security on Tuesday, February 10 for a hearing to focus on the U.S. supply chain, particularly the importance of efficiently functioning U.S. ports.

During the hearing, entitled “Keeping Goods Moving,” the panel will take expert testimony from witnesses on what it takes to maintain an efficient and reliable U.S. port, as well as the economic and logistical impact of port delays, congestion, and inadequate or outdated infrastructure on our nation’s intermodal transportation network.

Capacity challenges, and the changing dynamics of international shipping highlight the importance of functioning port infrastructure. Delays underscore how port disruptions can cause manufacturers across the country to cancel orders and lose business, ultimately impacting consumers and the broader economy. Equipment shortages, labor strife, worldwide moves toward larger vessels and security challenges all have potential to create new shipping disruptions if not properly addressed.