[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 25 (Friday, February 13, 2015)]
[House]
[Page H1040]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               WEST COAST PORT SLOWDOWN CRIPPLES ECONOMY

  (Mr. LaMALFA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. LaMALFA. Mr. Speaker, the ongoing slowdown occurring at our west 
coast ports is causing devastating economic conditions for our 
agricultural industry and an alarming ripple effect to supply chains 
across the Nation. Recent estimates have predicted retailers could lose 
as much as $7 billion this year and that it will cost the overall 
economy $2.1 billion every day if this shutdown continues.
  In California, our citrus shippers are reporting delays as long as 4 
weeks versus the typical 3 to 4 days for cargo to leave ports, causing 
their products to spoil and rot on the docks and increasing the already 
sizable backlog. One California almond company reported they already 
had to lay off 50 employees due to the slowdown at the port. Without 
action, these numbers are only going to worsen as long-term or 
permanent damage is even done to our export markets.
  We cannot afford to sit back as our producers and growers and workers 
bear the brunt of this labor dispute. I strongly urge both parties and, 
if necessary, this administration to get involved--to get back to the 
negotiating table and enact a swift resolution--to prevent serious 
long-term harm being done to our local and national economy and to our 
export markets.

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