Cantwell, Reichert, Kilmer Call on House to Pass First Bipartisan Comprehensive Freight Policy to Strengthen Economy, Enhance Competitiveness

Press Release

Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08), and Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-06) came together to advocate for multimodal freight policy to support Washington's growing economy and maximizing our country's competitiveness. The bipartisan delegation was joined by officials from the Port of Tacoma, the Northwest Seaport Alliance, and Saltchuk Resources at the Port of Tacoma to urge the inclusion of multimodal freight provisions in any long term transportation bill considered by the House of Representatives.

Today's bipartisan calls for updates to our transportation network reflect a growing consensus both in Washington state and in Congress that freight cannot be neglected any longer.

"Today Congressman Reichter, Congressman Kilmer and myself are calling on the House of Representatives to include multimodal freight policy in the final transportation bill. To get our products to markets around the world, we must realize that investments in freight cannot wait," said Senator Cantwell. "The faster freight moves, the faster Washington's economy will grow. We need to make smart investments now so we can create more jobs and have more containers moving through our ports."

"Efficient movement of goods is critical to the success of Washington's economy, and that ability to move goods is dependent on structurally sound, modern infrastructure. The legislation that Congressman Kilmer and I have introduced in the House and that Senator Cantwell introduced in the Senate is critical to ensuring our outdated infrastructure is upgraded and that we can streamline the movement of goods from the port of entry to final destination, ensuring a productive transportation system that will enable us to create jobs and grow our economy," said Representative Reichter.

"Washington State's economy depends on transporting goods to market," said Representative Kilmer. "In order to support job growth in our region, we need infrastructure that can efficiently get products out of warehouses and onto rail lines, highways, and waterways so they get into the hands of customers. Right now, too much of our outdated freight infrastructure results in delays and congestion. I was proud to join Senator Cantwell and Representative Reichert today to call for a national focus on smart freight policy that will help businesses and keep us competitive in a 21st century economy."

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