Letter to the Hon. Maria Cantwell, Secretary of Commerce - Until Biden Administration Shows Up, I'm Holding All Transportation & Commerce Nominees

Letter

Dear Chair Cantwell,

As President Joe Biden continues to push failed policies and unconstitutional
vaccine mandates, the United States is facing a major supply chain crisis. The higher
prices and product shortages resulting from this crisis are hurting families and
businesses in my state of Florida and across the nation. American ports are experiencing
severe cargo delays as we head into the holiday season. Worse, inflation has jumped to
its highest rate in more than 30 years. Restoring our supply chains is critical to getting
the American economy rolling again. Since President Biden has so far refused to
address this crisis, Congress must act.

Instead of creating a friendly business environment to ensure a strong rebound
from the COVID-19 pandemic, President Biden has made it a priority of his
administration to add burdensome regulations that have stifled economic growth.
These failed policies, coupled with lingering employment issues due to the Democrats'
inexplicable decision to pay people more to stay at home than go back to work, have
exacerbated labor shortages and further fueled inflation. Meanwhile, it has been months
since the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, the committee of
jurisdiction for these issues, has received testimony from the Secretary of
Transportation or the Secretary of Commerce.

I have heard from families and businesses in my state that simply keeping
shelves stocked is an everyday challenge, and I find it extremely concerning that
members of the Biden administration seem to be focused more on playing TV
commentator than finding real solutions to address these problems. Small business
owners and families aren't able to afford drastic price increases and shipping delays,
but if President Biden has his way, then these transportation difficulties are going to
become even worse and prices will rise even higher.

Today, I'm requesting that you immediately schedule and hold an oversight
hearing in the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee to address the
current supply chain crisis, and call on Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to testify about the Biden administration's
plans to solve this crisis. Until this hearing occurs, it is my intention to hold all
Department of Transportation and Department of Commerce nominees, that have been
favorably reported by the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee,
on the Senate Floor.

The Biden administration continues to show a total lack of concern about the
harmful impact its policies, mandates and rhetoric have on families, and the American
people deserve better. Hardworking families deserve leadership that is accountable and
responsive to their needs. That is what I'm fighting for every day. I hope we can work
together to address these supply chain shortages caused by President Biden and his
administration's failed policies, and find real solutions to help the American people.

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