Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-OR) said language in the recently passed Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act that protects workers in America’s transportation sector, and ensures financial stability for the Harbor Maintenance Trust fund were critical protections.
The Chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, DeFazio said the language will ensure infrastructure will continue throughout the crisis while fixing the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund – long a priority of the congressman.
“Unlocking the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund has always been about two things – safety and jobs,” DeFazio said in a statement. “For over twenty years, I’ve heard from countless fishermen, shippers, and vessel, tug, and barge operators about the importance of safe and predictable access to our ports and harbors which is critical to protecting our fishermen and maritime jobs and to keeping our local, regional, and national economy moving. Enacting this common sense, bipartisan provision is a long time coming for our nation’s coastal communities and members of the maritime workforce.
Under the $2.2 trillion CARES Act, a discretionary cap is placed on the HMTF for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to use for harbor operations and maintenance. The language mimics that of DeFazio’s bill HR 2440.
“Requiring that fees already collected by the federal government are used for their intended purpose—to ensure our ports and harbors are fully operational–will help ensure our ports and harbors are fully maintained and that our nation can quickly recover once this outbreak is contained and over,” DeFazio said. “While this bill does not address the almost $10 billion in previously collected funds sitting idle in the Trust Fund, I will not stop fighting until all of the funds collected from shippers are used for their intended purpose – maintaining the safety and reliability of our nation’s ports.”