Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) is pressing President Joe Biden to intervene in labor talks, hoping to avert a potential strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association that could severely disrupt East Coast port operations.

As of now, the Biden administration has not signaled any plans to take federal action to prevent the strike which, if it proceeds, could bring U.S. port operations from Texas to Maine to a halt, potentially costing the U.S. economy billions of dollars, as the Washington Examiner reports.

Donalds Warns of Economic Fallout

Donalds sounded the alarm on the potential strike, stressing that it could result in significant economic damage. The strike, set to begin on October 1 if no labor agreement is reached, would affect three dozen ports along the East Coast, a vital hub for imports and exports in the U.S.

Donalds pointed out that the strike could cost the economy $5 billion per day. The concern is that the impact on the supply chain could lead to price increases, further straining American families who are already dealing with inflation.

He argued that a deal needs to be reached quickly to prevent the strike, warning that other unaffected ports in the U.S. would not be able to compensate for the loss of the East Coast operations. The potential disruption would have a nationwide ripple effect.

Biden Administration’s Stance Raises Concerns

The Biden administration, however, has taken a hands-off approach. It has announced no plans to intervene under current federal law, leaving the negotiations in the hands of the union and port operators.

Donalds criticized this inaction, arguing that presidential leadership should come into play at this stage. He emphasized that waiting until the strike begins is not an option, as the consequences could be devastating for the American economy.

In a pointed remark, Donalds said, “They should be getting involved now. That’s what presidential leadership looks like, and the fact that they’re going to sit on the sidelines and watch is frankly reminiscent of the rest of their economic policy.”

Taft-Hartley Act Could Offer Solution

One potential avenue for intervention lies in the Taft-Hartley Act, a federal law that allows the president to intervene in labor disputes that could significantly affect national health or safety. The act provides the president with the authority to order an 80-day cooling-off period while negotiations continue.

Donalds urged Biden to use this authority, stating that the executive branch has the power to step in during moments like this. “But this is where the executive branch has purview. Congress has delegated that authority and given the ability for the president to step in,” he said. “Where is he? And, quite frankly, where is she?”

The strike could bring not only economic consequences but also logistical challenges, as East Coast ports are vital for the distribution of goods nationwide. Donalds believes a preemptive intervention is necessary to prevent further damage to the economy.

Other Ports Unlikely to Handle Load

Donalds raised concerns that ports unaffected by the potential strike would not be able to handle the volume of shipments that East Coast ports process. With ports in Texas to Maine potentially shutting down, the supply chain would face major setbacks.

He also pointed to California's environmental regulations as a factor in ongoing supply chain problems. While California ports have faced similar disruptions in the past due to environmental restrictions, the East Coast could now face an even larger crisis if the strike goes forward.

Donalds believes that a solution must be found before the Oct. 1 deadline, and that the Biden administration should not wait until the last minute to get involved. He emphasized that every day the strike continues, the economic impact would grow, directly affecting American consumers.

Final Plea for Presidential Intervention

Donalds has positioned himself as a leading voice urging for quick action on the impending strike. His call for Biden to step in is rooted in concerns for the economic wellbeing of American families, who he believes will suffer most if the strike goes forward.

While the union continues to negotiate with port operators, Donalds stresses that the administration’s lack of involvement is problematic. With the threat of billions of dollars in lost economic activity and increased prices, the pressure is mounting for Biden to act.

“The bigger question is why isn’t the Biden and Harris administration trying to do anything about this,” Donalds said. His remarks underline the frustration among some Republicans who feel the administration has been slow to respond to economic challenges.

Conclusion

Rep. Byron Donalds has urged President Joe Biden to intervene in negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and port operators to prevent a potential strike along the East Coast.  The strike, set to begin on Oct. 1, could disrupt operations at dozens of ports from Texas to Maine, leading to significant economic damage.

Donalds has raised concerns about the potential $5 billion daily impact and has called for swift action to protect American consumers.

Although the Biden administration has not indicated plans to use federal law to intervene, Donalds continues to push for the president to step in using the Taft-Hartley Act to impose an 80-day cooling-off period.