Shri Thanedar

The People's Republic of China has grown increasingly aggressive within the maritime domain.

The United States must be strategic in its efforts to counter the PRC's aggression and not simply build toward conflict.

The PRC's actions have threatened the free flow of travel and commerce throughout the Indo-Pacific.

For fiscal year 2025, to continue these workforce initiatives, TSA has requested a $377 million increase for periodic pay raises and career ladder promotions.

I am proud to cosponsor Ranking Member Thompson's bill, the Fund the TSA Act, which would end the diversion of passenger security fees and raise fees by $2 per trip to provide TSA with the resources it desperately needs.

Pay raises are making an enormous difference in the lives of Transportation Security Officers, Federal air marshals, and other TSA employees across the country.

Last year, TSA faced a major funding shortfall, as the agency sought more than a $1 billion increase to pay for salary raises and expanded collective bargaining rights.

I strongly supported that effort, and I was glad that we in Congress were able to fulfill TSA's request and fund critical improvements for the workforce.

This year, for the first time, we introduced a bill with an equal number of Republican and Democratic original cosponsors.

It is critical that Congress continues its efforts and its support for TSA's new pay system, which is having a significant positive impact.

The Coast Guard's shipbuilding efforts and other acquisition programs play a critical role in protecting U.S. national security.

The Coast Guard is undergoing a historic recapitalization of its fleet, working to acquire modern vessels that will enhance capabilities and mission readiness.

I admire your efforts to expand parole program for migrants in countries facing extreme conditions, like Haiti and Cuba.

We must ensure that congested waterways can be navigated safely.

What lessons, if any, can we learn from this collapse and look from a point of safety?

My heart goes out to the friends and family of the victims of this tragic accident.

Yet again, we find ourselves on the verge of an unnecessary Government shutdown due to Republicans' failure to govern.

It is imperative that Congress dedicate additional funding to this effort.

For 25-some years I ran small businesses and running a small business, making sure that I honor my payroll every 2 weeks, take care of my employees, and still have a little bit of money left to invest, I understand the importance of…

Now, Congress must ensure that TSA receives sufficient funding to maintain increased pay, collective bargaining rights, as well as necessary staffing levels and technology investment.

I think a system should be developed that should be good enough for the people as well as Members of Congress and I don't think Members of Congress needs any special treatment at TSA points.

Now it is time for Congress to do our part. We sit here today on the verge of a potential Government shutdown, yet again, because House Republicans have placed extreme political demands above their responsibility to govern.

The security of our Nation's seaports is vital to the success of our economy.

However, U.S. critical infrastructure and supply chains face a wide range of threats beyond cranes.

The port of Detroit is not among the largest U.S. ports and does not have any container cranes.