Full Committee Markup (April 2, 2025)

Committee on Public Works

2025-04-02

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Source: Congress.gov

Summary

The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure held a markup session to consider several bills, including H.R. 2390, the Maritime Supply Chain Security Act, which would allow PIDP funds to replace Chinese-made cranes at U.S. ports. The committee also advanced H.R. 2351, updating Coast Guard policy to include naloxone access and expanded drug interdiction authority, and H.R. 2035, which mandates 100% cargo preference for American-flag vessels. Other measures include the Amtrak Transparency and Accountability Act, the Baby Changing on Board Act, and the Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act, all receiving bipartisan support. The markup concluded with a resolution designating House Press Gallery rooms as the Frederick Douglass Press Gallery, a tribute to the abolitionist and journalist. Key witnesses included members from the Coast Guard and maritime industry, and all measures were approved by voice vote and reported favorably to the House with amendments adopted by unanimous consent.

Participants

Transcript

It's on. Pursuant to Committee Rule 6F of the House Rule 11, Clause 2H4, the Chairman may postpone further proceedings today on any question of approving any measures or matter or adopting an amendment in which a recorded vote of the ayes and nays is ordered and not asked unanimous consent. The Chairman be authorized to declare a recess at any time during today's meeting. Without objection, that is so ordered. All bill and amendment texts have been distributed electronically and paper copies are also available here in the hearing room. As a reminder, the committee will use an electronic system for any requested recorded votes. Today, the committee is considering H.R. 2390, the Maritime Supply Chain Security Act, H.R. 2351, to direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to update the policy of Coast Guard regarding the use of medication to treat drug overdose or or other purposes. An amendment in the nature of a substitute to H.R. 252, the Secure Our Ports Act of 2025, H.R. 2035, the American Cargo for American Ships Act, H.R. 188, the Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act, H.R. 248, the Baby Changing on Board Act, An amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR 1373, the Tennessee Valley Authority Transparency Act of 2025, HR 1948, to authorize the International Boundary and Water Commission to accept funds for activities related to wastewater treatment and flood control works and for other purposes. And an amendment in the nature of a substitute to HR 137, designated in the House Press Gallery rooms H315, 316, 317, 318, and 319 of the United States Capitol as the Frederick Douglass Press Gallery. Finally, I'd ask unanimous consent for the committee to use an amendments roster for any items under consideration by the committee without objection that is so ordered. Our first item for consideration is HR 2390, the Maritime Supply Chain Security Act. I'd ask unanimous consent to discharge

Subcommittee on Coast Guard Maritime Transportation for further consideration of H.R. 2390. Without objection, that is so ordered. I now call up the bill for consideration. Without objection, the first reading of the bill is dispensed with. The bill is now considered as read and open for amendment at any point. I recognize myself for five minutes. Introduced by our colleague, Representative Rausser, this bill strengthens the ability of ports to confront potential threats to the United States supply chain posed by Chinese-made cranes and associated software and hardware. Simply put, the bill is going to allow PIDP funds to be used to replace Chinese cranes at our nation's ports, allowing for the replacement of infrastructure supplied by one of our adversaries. I urge all members to support this common-sense piece of legislation. I recognize Ranking Member Larson for his statement.

Thank you, Mr. Chair, and I support H.R. 2390 legislation to clarify that funding provided by the PIDP grants can be used to replace or upgrade Chinese-made cranes at ports. The PID program provides grants to projects that improve the safety, the efficiency, and the reliability of the movement of goods at our nation's ports. And since 90% of everything we wear, eat, consume is carried by water, ports are the bedrock of our supply chain. The bipartisan infrastructure law provided $2.25 billion in much-needed advance appropriations for PIDP, and ports around the country are using these dollars. I look forward to working with the majority to ensure that the PIDP maintains robust funding into the future, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and yield back.

I recognize Representative Larson will sponsor. Mr. Rausser. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Given the interest of all members today and everybody wanting to get out of town, I'm going to sum it up this way. If you're for China, vote no. If you're for the United States, vote yes. I yield back. Mr. Ezell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I'm proud to support H.R.

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