Venable partner Ashley Craig was quoted in the May 2010 issue of American Shipper on ship capacity issues arising from the Obama Administration's goal to increase U.S. exports over the next five years.
According to the article, limited outbound capacity and container space may prevent the shipping industry from meeting import and export requirements. Congress and the Federal Maritime Commission have begun investigations into these shortages, which have caused shipping delays for U.S. exporters. The House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation conducted the recent congressional investigation into these matters.
"We wouldn't be surprised if there is a concurrent hearing on the Senate side within the next couple of months. This issue is very timely," said Craig, a legislative and government affairs attorney in Venable's DC office.
The issue has "bubbled up to the point where you have large U.S. exporters and inbound U.S. importers who are feeling the pinch. It's a political item; there is no way around it," said Craig.
Craig also suggested the Justice Department might look at the industry, noting that happened a decade ago when the FMC was investigating the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement.
According to the article, limited outbound capacity and container space may prevent the shipping industry from meeting import and export requirements. Congress and the Federal Maritime Commission have begun investigations into these shortages, which have caused shipping delays for U.S. exporters. The House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation conducted the recent congressional investigation into these matters.
"We wouldn't be surprised if there is a concurrent hearing on the Senate side within the next couple of months. This issue is very timely," said Craig, a legislative and government affairs attorney in Venable's DC office.
The issue has "bubbled up to the point where you have large U.S. exporters and inbound U.S. importers who are feeling the pinch. It's a political item; there is no way around it," said Craig.
Craig also suggested the Justice Department might look at the industry, noting that happened a decade ago when the FMC was investigating the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement.