(NAFB.com) – A pair of House lawmakers this week introduced the SHIP IT Act, seeking to address the supply chain backlog in the freight network at U.S. ports.

Introduced by Republican Representatives Michelle Fischbach of Minnesota and Byron Donalds of Florida, the legislation builds on the STOP the GRINCH Act introduced last fall. The STOP the GRINCH Act, a Christmas-themed bill, was introduced in November 2021 to ease supply-chain and inflation pressures by streamlining or suspending certain federal regulations on ports, ships, and trucks. Notable items included in the SHIP IT Act would temporarily suspend the hours-of-service requirements for truckers transporting goods directly to ports, allow 18-year-olds to drive commercial trucks to U.S. ports, and identify federal lands that can be used for temporary storage of freight.

Fischbach says, “Congress should seize any opportunity to ease supply-chain tensions,” adding, “The SHIP IT Act would do this by targeting specific needs in ports, shipping, and trucking.”