Press Releases

Washington, DC—March 29, 2022….Continuing his work to bolster national security and our supply chain, Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) today voted to pass the Don Young Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022. The bill includes important provisions from the Womack-cosponsored Ocean Shipping Reform Act and also authorizes enhancements to U.S. Coast Guard operations, modernizes fleets, and improves shoreside and cyber infrastructure.

Congressman Womack said, “Reforms to address shipping bottlenecks are needed to strengthen our economy and movement of goods. I’m proud to deliver provisions that will increase global market access for Arkansas and American-made products—supporting our supply chain and global competitiveness. The legislation also builds on America’s ability to protect our ports and waterways, borders, and maritime defense.”

Bill provisions include:

• Establishing reciprocal trade to promote U.S. exports as part of the Federal Maritime Commission’s (FMC) mission.
• Requiring ocean carriers to adhere to minimum service standards that meet the public interest, reflecting best practices in the global shipping industry.
• Compelling ocean carriers or marine terminal operators to certify that any late fees —known in maritime parlance as “detention and demurrage” charges—comply with federal regulations or face penalties.
• Prohibiting ocean carriers from declining opportunities for U.S. exports unreasonably, as determined by the FMC in new required rulemaking.
• Authorizes resources to further stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the country.

The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration.

Congressman Steve Womack (AR-3) has represented Arkansas’s Third Congressional District since 2011. He is a member of the House Appropriations Committee.

womack.house.gov

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