Press

Feb 10 2015

Fischer Chairs Surface Transportation Hearing on U.S. Ports

Highlights impact of delays, disruptions on businesses in Nebraska

ports

Click here or on the image above to see high-definition photos from today’s hearing.

 Seated left to right:  Norman Bessac, Vice President, International SalesCargill; Ms. Katie Farmer, Vice President, Consumer Products, BNSF; Dr. Walter Kemmsies, Chief Economist, Moffatt & Nichol; and John E. Greuling, Board Member, Coalition for America's Gateways and Trade Corridors.

WASHINGTON – This morning, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) chaired a hearing of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security entitled “Keeping Goods Moving.” Senator Fischer released the following statement after the conclusion of this morning’s hearing:

“Today’s hearing was an important opportunity to examine the impact of service disruptions at our nation’s ports and the impact on our transportation supply chain. Given the real economic consequences of the ongoing port congestion on the West Coast, I’m calling for a swift resolution to the current negotiations. That way, businesses in Nebraska and across the country can quickly return to business as usual.” 

This morning’s hearing included testimony on behalf of two companies that have operations in Nebraska: Norman Bessac, Vice President of International Sales for Cargill and Katie Farmer Vice President of Consumer Products for BNSF. The subcommittee examined the role of ports in our nation’s transportation network, particularly as it relates to port infrastructure and efficiency. The hearing also highlighted the impact of service disruptions happening at West Coast ports causing delayed imports and exports to and from Nebraska. The Wall Street Journal reported on this last week

For more information, please visit the Senate Commerce Committee’s website by clicking here.

Click Here to watch and download video of this morning’s hearing in its entirety.
Click Here for high resolution images of the hearing.

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