Congressman Charles W. Boustany, Jr., M.D., (R-South Louisiana) issued the following statement in response to the President’s Statement of Administration Policy on S. 601, the Water Resources Development Act of 2013, in which the Administration specifically states its opposition to increasing funds for harbor maintenance:
“ The Obama Administration continues to speak out of both sides of its mouth when it comes to international trade promotion. The President speaks at length for the need to beef up our nation’s trade portfolio while promoting free trade agreements and opening new markets for American companies overseas. As the American people have to come to expect from this President, speeches and leadership are two very different matters.
“Physically moving American goods in and out of our ports is a critical component of expanding international trade. I am disappointed the President stated his opposition to S. 601, the Water Resources Development Act. This legislation directs vital funds toward dredging our nation’s neglected port system. By failing to maintain these arteries of commerce at proper levels, this Administration cheats American businesses out of valuable shipping capacity and leaves dollars on the table with every export shipment. I have introduced H.R. 335, the Realize America’s Maritime Promise (RAMP) Act, to address this very problem and will continue to fight for South Louisiana’s priorities in Washington.”
[mappress]
Press Release, May 8, 2013