Inland waterways and harbors are important components of the nation's transportation system. Like highways and runways, our nation's 12,000-mile Mississippi inland waterway system, which funnels into the Gulf of Mexico at the mouth in Louisiana, is an important transport resource. The Mississippi River moves approximately 500 million tons of cargo, such as raw materials, various liquids, and agriculture commodities, to ports located along the Mississippi River system each year.

Since the 1700s, Louisiana has played an important role in connecting our nation's economy both domestically and internationally through deep-water shipping and use of the aforementioned inland waterway system. This tradition, dating back generations, is no less important today as evidenced by the hundreds of thousands of jobs supported by the industry. This is especially true in Louisiana, since our state leads the American domestic maritime industry with 54,860 jobs and $11.361 billion in annual economic impact.

Congressman Scalise is a strong advocate of the Jones Act, and is committed to supporting the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, sustaining the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, and ensuring our harbors and waterways are dredged appropriately so that Louisiana can continue to meet our nation's maritime demands.

Congressman Scalise was recently named the Champion of Maritime by the American Maritime Partnership. This award is given to Members of Congress who demonstrate exceptional support for the hardworking men and women of the American maritime industry. The Congressman was honored to receive this award, and will continue to fight for common sense policies that reduce bureaucratic barriers that stunt economic activity and job growth in our country.

For more information concerning Congressman Scalise's work and views on Maritime issues, please contact his Washington, DC office.