releases: http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-urges-colleagues-prevent-future-port-slowdowns
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
This data as json
| url | title | date | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| http://reichert.house.gov/press-release/rep-reichert-urges-colleagues-prevent-future-port-slowdowns | Rep. Reichert Urges Colleagues to Prevent Future Port Slowdowns | 2015-11-04 | 2015 | 2015-11 | Republican | House | WA | Dave Reichert | R000578 | reichert.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, U.S. Congressman Dave Reichert (R-WA) offered an amendment related to the 2014-2015 West Coast ports dispute, which impacted many importers and exporters throughout Washington State and the country. Under Rep. Reicherts amendment, the Government Accountability Office would be required to study the economic impact of the dispute, to review the steps taken to reach an agreement, and to suggest what other tools might be used to prevent future slowdowns. Prior to the vote, he spoke on the House floor about the importance of passing the amendment. Below is an excerpt of his remarks: The efficient movement of goods is critical to the economic success of country. Our farmers and manufacturers must be able to export their high-quality products to the customers around the world that rely upon this steady supply. Beginning in the summer of 2014, these customer relationships and our economy were threatened. This was the result of a prolonged contract negotiation between the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU). The negotiation, which lasted until February of 2015, covered the 29 West Coast container ports and the tens of thousands of longshore, clerk, and foreman workers who are employed at these ports. Just how serious was the impact of these prolonged negotiations? An example from my home state provides a clear illustration. Our apple growers were faced with an estimated $100 million of apples that they could not sell. This is just one example, but the impact was felt across all industries Like many of you, I have committed to my constituents that I will work to ensure that this is not repeated for the sake of our workers, farmers, and manufacturers I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment. The strength of our economy depends on it." Rep. Reichert's amendment gained the support of 200 members of the House, narrowly missing the 216 votes necessary for passage. While disappointed the amendment did not pass, he is pleased this issue is continuing to earn the attention of a growing number of members on both sides of the aisle and is committed to fighting on behalf of the many exporters who rely on ports to transport their goods. The support of 200 Members from across the country shows that the number of Members interested in a solution continues to increase even as more time has passed since an agreement was reached. Related Links: Reichert, Coffman, Radewagen, Newhouse Introduce PORTS Act Reichert Statement on Administration Intervention in West Coast Ports Shutdown Resolution Urging End to West Coast Ports Slowdown Grows Rapidly Reichert Statement on West Coast Ports Resolution | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |