Washington, DC — Today, House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Members participated in a virtual forum to hear from Maritime Administrator Admiral Mark H. Buzby (Ret.) about the maritime industry’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the steps being taken to protect workers on ships and at docks from infection, and operational and logistical challenges the maritime industry has encountered thus far. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Committee has been working remotely to address the ongoing impacts of the novel coronavirus on sectors within the Committee’s jurisdiction, including the maritime industry and its workers. Today’s forum was conducted via videoconference.
“I thank the Admiral for taking time to update the Committee on the maritime industry’s response to COVID-19. As our nation continues to battle the pandemic, it is imperative our Members understand the situation so that we can help ensure that the industry’s response puts public health first, addresses potential operational challenges, and ensures the safety of maritime transportation workers,” said Chair Peter DeFazio. “I’d also like to thank the members of the Committee for their readiness to continue conducting oversight of the Federal response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These are unprecedented times and as we continue to adjust to doing this vital work remotely, I thank them for their flexibility.”
“I thank Chairman DeFazio, my colleagues, and MARAD for participating in today’s virtual forum. During this pandemic, it is important Americans know that Congress – and this Committee – is continuing to work to strengthen our country, and ensure our transportation and infrastructure priorities move forward,” said Chair Sean Patrick Maloney.
To date, the Committee has held nine bipartisan briefings amid the COVID-19 pandemic, including today’s virtual forum, 7 phone briefings with FEMA officials, and one with the American Public Transportation Association (APTA).
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