Issa: "We Must Avoid a Shutdown of Our West Coast Ports"

Press Release

Today, Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-49) released the following statement regarding ongoing labor disputes that have caused significant slowdowns at ports along the West Coast and portend a potential full shutdown of the West Coast Ports:

"We must avoid a shutdown of our west coast ports, at all costs. Failure simply is not an option. A shutdown would have potentially devastating effects on small businesses nationwide.

"Last week, I cosponsored a House resolution calling for a swift conclusion to the dispute between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union with the assistance of a federal mediator. It is unacceptable that the dispute between these parties has led to congestion all along the West Coast Ports and shipping lanes. If an immediate settlement cannot be reached, we are calling on President Obama, through his authority under the Taft-Hartley Act, to intervene in the matter in the interest of protecting the economy, much like President Bush did to resolve a similar labor dispute in 2002."

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