Nation’s ocean cargo gateways applaud Senate passage of trade promotion

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) had nothing but praise for the Senate passage over the past weekend of the Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015 (TPA-2015).

Today, it sent a letter to House leadership to urge making passage of the bill a priority. 

Trade activity through seaports accounts for 26 percent of the U.S. economy, generates over 23 million American jobs, and provides over $320 billion in local, state and federal tax revenues.

In the letter, AAPA President & CEO Kurt Nagle states, “…this legislation will open the door to new markets for American goods and services, boost U.S. economic growth and support well-paying jobs nationwide.”

Expect to hear more from our nation’s port leaders as the week ends. The AAPA convened a meeting between U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and these powerful leaders: AAPA Chairwoman of the Board and Port of Hueneme CEO Kristin Decas; Port Tampa Bay President & CEO A. Paul Anderson;  Port of Seattle CEO Ted Fick; and Port of New Orleans President & CEO Gary LaGrange.

The diversity found in such a forum speaks volumes about the shared goals of ports in every region of the country.