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Rep. Schrier’s Bipartisan Bill to Alleviate Supply Chain Challenges and Bring Down Costs Passes House

June 14, 2022

WASHINGTON, DC – The House has passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, a bipartisan bill co-sponsored by Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) to decrease supply chain bottlenecks and make sure U.S. goods are making it to their overseas markets. The bill, already voted through the Senate, passed the House last night with overwhelming bipartisan support and now heads to the President’s desk.

“Hay and fruit producers in the 8th District have been struggling with unreliable shipping companies, exorbitant holding and shipping fees, and severe backups at the ports for more than two years now. They really were the canaries in the coal mine for the current supply chain crisis,” said Rep. Schrier. “This great bipartisan bill will help exporters in the 8th District and across the country get their goods to market in a timely fashion. Right now, too often, containers are being brought back to Asia empty because it is less expensive for these shipping companies. This bill will stop that.”

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act:

  • Directs the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to investigate ocean carriers’ unfair business practices
  • Shifts the burden of proof regarding overcharging certain container fees, called “demurrage and detention” charges, from exporters to the international ocean shippers to help level the playing field for American exporters
  • Prohibits shipping companies or marine terminal operators from unreasonably refusing cargo space when it is available
  • Improves transparency by requiring international ocean carriers to report on how many empty containers are being transported
  • Establishes FMC Office of Consumer Affairs and Dispute Resolution Services to make it easier for American businesses seeking assistance from the FMC

This is not the only action Rep. Schrier has taken to alleviate supply chain disruptions. In March, she helped secure more port infrastructure in Washington state. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA) have partnered on a new pop-up container yard to ease congestion at the Port of Seattle. The 49-acre “pop-up” site accepts dry agricultural or refrigerated containers for temporary storage, easing congestion issues and increasing access to the port.

And last year, Rep. Schrier’s amendment to allow for more funding to go to the FMC passed as part of the budget. This amendment directed that the Commission use these extra funds to specifically do more to assist and advise U.S. exporters.

Issues:Economy