Florida Congressman Vern Buchanan (R-FL-16) has written a letter to President Joe Biden (D) urging him to utilize Florida’s ports as a way to alleviate the nation’s supply chain shortage. In the letter, Buchanan made his case for why Florida is the best place to send cargo and shipments.
“In successfully moving over 100 million tons of cargo and millions of cruise passengers annually, Florida’s seaports currently support a vast array of global commercial industries,” Buchanan wrote. “Working together with the federal government, Florida’s seaports can save consumers money, support American jobs, grow our economy and offer near-term relief for our nation’s current supply chain bottleneck affecting many aspects of our daily lives.”
Buchanan continued his comments by saying the Christmas season is well under way, and Americans across the country would benefit from the 24-hour operations of Florida’s deep-water ports.
“In Florida, there are currently no delays at our ports in large part because many of them have been operating 24 hours-a-day for quite some time, while other ports around the country are just now announcing around-the-clock operations,” Buchanan continued. “With the holiday season upon us and the United States struggling to solve crippling congestion in our supply chain, our 15 ports and unique geographical location offer a more efficient alternative to certain West Coast ports.”
“Working together with the federal government, Florida’s seaports can save consumers money, support American jobs, grow our economy and offer near-term relief for our nation’s current supply chain bottleneck affecting many aspects of our daily lives.” https://t.co/64FJvJq7wJ
— Rep. Vern Buchanan (@VernBuchanan) December 14, 2021
The letter was co-signed by all of Florida’s Congressional Republicans and two Democrats: Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL-13) and Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL-7).
Florida Congressman Dan Webster (R-FL-11) posted on Twitter his support for Buchanan’s letter and said Florida geographic location is a prime spot to manage increased traffic.
“I signed this letter,” Webster said. “FL seaports can help alleviate the current backlog of cargo activity. Thanks to our location and network of highways and railways, Florida can manage increased freight traffic and help make sure consumer demand is met during this holiday season.”
I signed this letter. FL seaports can help alleviate the current backlog of cargo activity. Thanks to our location and network of highways and railways, Florida can manage increased freight traffic and help make sure consumer demand is met during this holiday season. https://t.co/CZDkUxfpRP
— Daniel Webster (@RepWebster) December 13, 2021
The Florida Ports Council has offered their support for the letter, as well.
“The leadership and bipartisan efforts of Florida’s congressional delegation is further demonstration that Florida’s seaports are open for business and are a key solution in helping to alleviate the nation’s supply chain challenges,” said Florida Ports Council President and CEO Mike Rubin. “Special thanks to Congressman Vern Buchanan and Florida’s Congressional Delegation for his leadership on this important issue.”
The co-chair of Florida’s congressional delegation says there’s an answer to America’s supply chain crisis: Ship more goods to Florida ports, says @VernBuchanan. Bipartisan letter signed by 17 FL members of congress sent to @POTUS. #FlaPolhttps://t.co/MrcpsO4v5I
— FloridaPortsCouncil (@FloridaPorts) December 14, 2021
– – –
Grant Holcomb is a reporter at The Florida Capital Star and The Star News Network. Follow Grant on Twitter and direct message tips.
Photo “Vern Buchanan” by Congressman Vern Buchanan. Background Photo “Star Florida Ship” by JAXPORT. CC BY 2.0.
