Soo Locks Security and Economic Reporting Act of 2023

Floor Speech

I rise in support of H.R. 3399, which, like my bill that is also under suspension today, will help to ensure a safe and resilient American supply chain.

The Soo Locks, which are located on the St. Mary's River and connect Lake Superior to the rest of the Great Lakes system, facilitate the passage of 7,000 cargo ships per year. The locks connect the Great Lakes and are directly on the border with Canada, making them an important fixture for our national security. If something were to happen to the Soo Locks, 11 million jobs would be affected nationwide.

This bill directs the Department of Transportation to conduct a study on any domestic or international threats to the Soo Locks, as well as the economic effect of an operational failure.

This bill was reported out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee unanimously on May 23 of this year because my colleagues understand that economic resilience and national security are intertwined.

A robust and resilient supply chain is the result of deliberate construction, maintenance, and operational security of locks, ports, waterways, roads, railways, and airports.

As proponents of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law understood, maintenance of and investment in our ports and waterways is paramount. That law provided $17 billion for ports and waterways, which will go a long way to ensuring the viability of infrastructure like the Soo Locks and maritime transportation in the Great Lakes. This bill builds upon the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law by understanding the vulnerabilities from a national security standpoint, and, thus, better protecting our investments.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. AUCHINCLOSS. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3399, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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