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Last week, U.S. Reps. Janice Hahn (D-Calif.) and Ted Poe (R-Texas) announced the formation of the House Ports Opportunity, Renewal, Trade and Security (PORTS) Caucus, a bi-partisan group charged with promoting U.S. ports' importance to the nation’s economy and the need to better secure the facilities.

The United States is served by more than 350 commercial sea and river ports that support 3,200 cargo and passenger handling facilities. The ports move 99.4 percent of overseas cargo volume by weight, generate $3.95 trillion in international trade, support 13.3 million jobs and account for $3.15 trillion in business activity, Hahn and Poe said in a joint statement.

“This bi-partisan caucus will bring together members who represent diverse ports across the country, so we will find ways together to promote our ports and keep them safe,” said Hahn.

Maintaining secure, reliable and efficient seaports will generate much-needed jobs and make American businesses more competitive abroad, said Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Geraldine Knatz.

“Because our nation’s seaports must remain a national priority, we stand ready to support Rep. Hahn and Rep. Poe’s efforts to advance the issues of ports and the communities they serve,” she said.