This week, Congressman Mike Ezell was recognized as one of four Congressional Champions by the National Association of Waterfront Employers (NAWE). NAWE praised Congressman Ezell’s leadership on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, where he serves as Vice-Chair of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee.

"Through innovation and modernization at our ports in South Mississippi, we're able to create jobs and strengthen supply chains across our entire state," said Congressman Ezell. "I'm honored to be named an NAWE Congressional Champion, and I'm grateful for my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who have partnered with me to support maritime infrastructure."

“On behalf of the marine terminal operating industry and as a native Mississippian, I would like to thank Congressman Mike Ezell for his commitment to fighting for the continued success and resilience of our nation’s maritime sector. Congressman Ezell has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing the interests of MTOs and the stevedoring industry,” said Rob Murray, President of NAWE. “His tireless efforts in Congress, advocating for fair regulations, supporting legislative initiatives, and championing sustainability, innovation, and job creation within our ports and waterways has been instrumental in shaping a more robust and thriving maritime supply chain.”

In his first year in office, Congressman Ezell has led bipartisan initiatives to support economic growth and modernize infrastructure at America’s ports and harbors.

In July, he introduced H.R. 4993, a bipartisan bill with Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02) designed to maximize private investment in infrastructure for cargo ports and support American manufacturing jobs. The bill would expand the Capital Construction Fund (CCF) program to allow Marine Terminal Operators (MTOs) to use a tax-deferred account to purchase American-made cargo handling equipment.

In December, he joined Democrat Congressman Jake Auchincloss (MA-04) in authoring a letter asking the Federal Maritime Commission to establish a National Port Advisory Committee, which would give public port authorities, marine terminal operators, and other stakeholders a voice on key issues.

Congressmen Carter and Auchincloss were the two Democrats named Congressional Champions. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) joined Congressman Ezell as the other Republican honoree.