The bipartisan bill requires the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) to establish and reinforce rules to prevent excessive and unjust detention and demurrage fees and establish rules regarding refusal/denial of service, AAFA says, adding it sent a ‘Yes’ key vote letter to members of the House ahead of yesterday’s (13 June) vote.

Because the measure was previously approved by the Senate, yesterday’s action in the House now clears it for signature by President Biden, who has indicated he will sign it into law.

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“The Ocean Shipping Reform Act is an essential – and frankly long-overdue – piece of legislation that will strengthen the resiliency of our supply chains,” says Steve Lamar, president and CEO of American Apparel & Footwear Association.

“AAFA has been a leading advocate for this bill to ensure that American companies are protected from price gouging in the global shipping industry. The supply chain crisis that began in 2021 and continues today, showed us how price gouging and non-competitive practices can impact American companies and American families. This bill will ensure that these sorts of practices are not replicated in the future. Thank you to Congressmen John Garamendi (D-CA-3) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and John Thune (R-SD) for their leadership in getting Congress to recognize the urgency of this situation and getting this legislation approved in near-record time. We urge the President to sign this measure as soon as possible so that it can be swiftly implemented and enforced.

“While this bill meets an essential need, there is still much that needs to be done to address the ongoing supply chain crisis and record inflation that are stymieing our economy. Additional steps are needed to limit the damage of these circumstances. In particular, the administration could quickly help American companies and American families by removing the punitive tariffs imposed by the previous administration.”

The AAFA recently joined forces to unify the fashion industry’s efforts on climate change and said industry policies must align with global efforts.