WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee, Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, today voted to pass legislation, supported by Democrats and Republicans, to improve supply chains and lower costs for Michigan families. The legislation addresses discrimination against American producers by foreign shipping companies and helps alleviate bottlenecks at ports to lower everyday costs for Michigan families, farmers and small businesses. The legislation now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

“We can fight inflation and lower costs for Michigan families by fixing our broken supply chains and ensuring the speedy flow of goods through our ports,” Congressman Kildee said.  “Major shipping corporations have been overcharging American businesses to move goods, driving up costs for small businesses and consumers while leaving products waiting on the dock. With this legislation, the federal government will have better tools to crack down on bad actors and lower costs for Michiganders. It is my top priority in Congress to lower everyday costs, and I am proud to send this legislation to the president’s desk.” 

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act gives the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) the tools to do its job and help police the ocean shipping market to ensure American products and farmers are not left on the dock or overcharged. The legislation provides the FMC the tools it needs to prevent ocean carriers from refusing space on ships to American producers and manufacturers, investigate and enforce business practices and crack down on rising shipping fees impacting consumers.

As a result, this bill will lower costs for consumers and ensure Michigan farmers and manufacturers can compete on a more level playing field with exporters of cheaper products from Southeast Asia, particularly from China.

“House approval of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act is a critical step that will help clear the way for exports of Michigan agricultural products,” said Chuck Lippstreu, president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. “Agricultural exports are a bright spot for Michigan’s economy, but our industry continues to face unprecedented delays and denied bookings on container ships that transport our products across the globe. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act will hold big ocean carrier companies accountable for their unfair practices. We appreciate Congressman Kildee, and lawmakers of both parties, for coming together to send this common-sense legislation to President Biden’s desk.”

More than 100 agriculture associations and companies support this legislation, including the Michigan Milk Producers Association, Midwest Dairy Coalition, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union, National Pork Producers Council, U.S. Meat Export Federation, and National Association of Manufacturers.