Ag News
Biden signs Ocean Shipping Reform Act into law
Posted on Jun 29, 2022 at 0:00 AM
By Georgia Farm Bureau
On June 16 President Joe Biden signed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 (S.3580) into law.
The law authorizes appropriations for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) for fiscal years 2022 through 2025; establishes additional requirements and prohibited conduct for ocean carriers; requires the FMC to issue rules related to certain fee assessments, prohibited practices, and establishment of a shipping registry; and authorizes the FMC under certain circumstances to issue an emergency order requiring common carriers to share information directly with shippers and rail and motor carriers.
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) supported the legislation and expressed appreciation to Congress and Biden for its enactment.
“Record-high shipping costs and shortages of containers have created bottlenecks at our ports and worsened supply chain issues at a time of growing demand domestically and overseas. Some estimates suggest we’ve lost out on more than $25 billion in agricultural exports. Limited trade has also made it more difficult to import supplies, which ultimately costs all Americans through higher prices,” said AFBF President Zippy Duvall, who joined Biden at the bill signing ceremony. “Addressing congestion at our ports and creating greater accountability for shipping companies is a positive step toward ensuring America’s farmers and ranchers can continue feeding families at home and around the globe.”
The law, sponsored by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), was cosponsored by 30 senators, including Georgia’s Raphael Warnock. It passed by voice vote in the Senate, and the House approved it by a 369-42 vote. Georgia Reps. Rick Allen (R), Sanford Bishop (D), Buddy Carter (R), Drew Ferguson (R), Jody Hice (R), Hank Johnson (D), Nikema Williams (D), Lucy McBath (D), Carolyn Bordeaux (D), Austin Scott (R) and David Scott (D) voted in favor of the S. 3580.
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