PORTS Caucus Meets With Secretary LaHood

Jun 19, 2012 Issues: Economy and Jobs

Washington, D.C. – This afternoon, PORTS Caucus co-chairs Congresswoman Janice Hahn and Congressman Ted Poe hosted Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Maritime Administrator David Matsuda for a meeting with PORTS Caucus members. The meeting, along with the expanding roster that now includes 66 members, is a powerful demonstration of the Caucus’s early success. The meeting included members representing districts that include the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of Beaumont in Texas, the Port of Everett in Washington State, the Port of Savannah in Georgia and the Port of New Jersey.

 “PORTS Caucus members had the opportunity to have a very open discussion about our ports and the vital role they play in our economy with Secretary LaHood and Administrator Matsuda,” said Rep. Hahn. “We talked about our transportation network and how we must have proper investment and security for our global supply chain. I’m pleased they were so receptive to our message and I look forward to working with both of them in the future.”

“Today was a valuable opportunity for PORTS Caucus Members to collaborate with Secretary LaHood and Administrator Matsuda to determine what Congress and the Administration can do together to address port issues nationally, “said Rep. Poe.  “I look forward to working with the Department of Transportation in the future as the caucus continues our efforts to ensure that all ports and transportation infrastructure have the adequate resources they need to maintain the flow of commerce.”

The bipartisan Congressional PORTS Caucus’s mission is to promote the importance of our ports to the nation’s economy and the need to secure them. United States ports support 13.3 million jobs and account for $3.15 trillion in business activity to the economy.

-30-