Blum takes lead role in dispute

Rod BlumFrom Press Release

 

U.S. Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA) continued to take a leading role in calling for a solution to the West Coast port slowdown. Blum participated in a bipartisan press conference calling for a swift resolution to the dispute between the Pacific Maritime Association and the International Longshoreman Warehouse Union. The situation has put the livelihoods of Iowa farmers, manufacturers and workers at risk by hampering the export of American products.

“As a career small businessman, any issue that affects American jobs is a top priority for me,” Blum said. “That’s especially true when the exports that increase our national prosperity are threatened. Today, I’m proud to join colleagues from both sides of the aisle to call for a resolution to this problem that is hurting working families and businesses in Iowa and across the country.”

Yesterday, Blum also co-sponsored a resolution calling on the PMA and ILWU to quickly resolve their impasse through a federal mediator, and if a shutdown occurs, for the President to use all authorities granted to him under current law to end the dispute. In January, he wrote a bipartisan letter to President Obama, signed by the entire bicameral Iowa delegation, that requested the President assist in the resolution of the dispute.