Speech #1050115614

Mr. President. I rise today in support of the GrammGorton amendment which modifies Section 1116(d). the Trade Corridor and Border Crossing Planning provision. This amendment will improve the criteria for receiving funds under this section and ensure that these funds are best utilized. The U.S. economy depends on the efficient flow of goods. and the federal government has realized that bottlenecks at U.S. ports are a national concern. The Ports of Seattle and Tacoma are the second largest load center in the United States. with more than 70 percent of their cargo traveling to or from points outside the Puget Sound region.