Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the bipartisan Supply Chain Caucus led by Congressman David Rouzer (R-NC), Congressman Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Congressman Colin Allred (D-TX), and Congresswoman Angie Craig (D-MN) sent a letter to the Biden Administration expressing concern with the ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea disrupting global shipping routes, threatening supply chains, and endangering human life.

The letter is being sent to U.S. Defense Secretary Austin, State Department Secretary Blinken, and Transportation Secretary Buttigieg requesting continued efforts and oversight to secure the Red Sea shipping lanes and restore the safe passage of trade in the region.

The Members wrote, "The world has witnessed how detrimental disruptions to the global shipping market can be on supply chains. The COVID pandemic bottlenecks resulted in record shipping container backlogs and wait times at ports. Further, repeat blockages of the Suez Canal showed how vital the Red Sea passage is for international trade and functioning supply chains."

The Members further emphasized, "In recent weeks, attacks by Houthi rebels on commercial ships have resulted in major ocean carriers diverting routes through the Red Sea and instead sailing around the Cape of Good Hope. These attacks, conducted by pirates and supported by the Iranian powerhouse, are out of revenge for Western support for Israel. We cannot allow these bad actors to punish our nation and cripple our supply chain without swift recourse."

The Members also cited reports stating approximately twenty percent of all container shipping passes through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, making any disruptions in the region of particular concern.  Rerouting ships also results in lengthier shipping times, further exacerbating delays.

Read the full letter here.