On the recordJune 27, 2012
The Federal Maritime Commission is responsible for resolving disputes between shippers--both foreign and domestic--and the public, protecting consumers from unfair business practices, and monitoring ocean transportation and trade. The increase in this account has to do with the annualization of already onboard personnel and of the increases in the claims and the workload of the Federal Maritime Commission. To reduce this account, you will affect the backlog of cases and claims, thus costing businesses, exporters, and ports time and money while they wait for the FMC to adjudicate their claims. Usually, we are in the business of trying to reduce backlogs and delays in doing business. With that, I would urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.
