Kay Bailey Hutchison: “I'd like to join my colleagues in commending the industry representatives for their efforts in crafting the…”

“I'd like to join my colleagues in commending the industry representatives for their efforts in crafting the modifications which have allowed them to join together in support of ocean shipping reform. The scope of industry support is impressive and includes U.S. and foreign flag carriers, the National Industrial Transportation League, the American Association of Port Authorities, and organized labor. I would like to detail some of the modifications to the manager's amendment of S. 414. I believe these modifications show how much thought and work have gone into this agreement. Those modifications being made to the manager's amendment of S. 414 are as follows: 1. Amend section 8(c) of the 1984 Act to provide that all service contracts are treated in a uniform manner. Individual ocean carrier and agreement service contracts would be filed confidentially with the FMC, and an abbreviated set of essential terms would be made publicly available. A similar uniform method of contract regulation was unanimously adopted by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for S. 414 and was included in the bill as reported. This addresses the core concern and goal of shippers and various carriers who want to be able to enter into contracts with confidential rates and service terms. At the same time, it allows for some transparency, thereby addressing the concerns of ports, labor and some small shippers and carrier interests.”