On December 8, 2021, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 (OSRA21, HR 4996) by a vote of 364-60. In August 2021, U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA-3) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD-at-large) introduced this bipartisan legislation that would update the Shipping Act to recognize the significant changes to the international maritime transportation system of the past two decades. ISSA strongly supported the bill.

ISSA is an active participant in a coalition of U.S. importers, exporters, transportation providers, and other supply-chain stakeholders that advocated for the passage of OSRA21. Over the last few months, ISSA signed onto multiple letters to congressional leadership as well as Representatives Garamendi and Johnson, stating that “We believe the reforms included in OSRA21 will help address longstanding, systemic supply chain and port disruption issues which have been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“ISSA thanks House members for their overwhelming and bipartisan support of OSRA 21, particularly Representatives Garamendi and Johnson for their strong leadership on this issue to ensure the ongoing supply-chain disruption and port-congestion issues are addressed,” said ISSA Director of Government Affairs John Nothdurft. “A strong and efficient supply chain is critical in making sure essential hygiene and cleaning products are able to get to end users. We look forward to working with members of the Senate from both sides of the aisle to ensure passage of this important legislation.”

For questions regarding ISSA advocacy, including OSRA21, contact ISSA Director of Government Affairs John Nothdurft.