TIA STATEMENT ON FAILED CLOTURED VOTE OF THE “CARES” ACT

Contact: Chris Burroughs
(703) 299-5700
Burroughs@tianet.org

For Immediate Release

MARCH 23, 2020 – ALEXANDRIA VA, – Robert Voltmann, President & CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Associations (TIA), the largest association representing third party-logistics companies, released the following statement following the failed 47-47 cloture vote of the “CARES Act” on March 22, 2020.

On behalf of TIA and our 1,800 member companies in all 50 states, we are urging – in the strongest sense of the word – Congress to set aside the partisan politics and pass an emergency stimulus package immediately. The latest proposal put forward by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in consultation with the Trump Administration and Senate Democrats is the right approach.

It is essential to give businesses throughout the United States a much-needed influx of capital immediately. This will ensure that hard working Americans do not lose their jobs. This is right time do this stimulus package, and this is the right vehicle to get it done. Unfortunately, now we must further wait for relief because of what appears to be games in Washington.

As a result of this failed procedural vote which has stalled the passage of this much-needed legislation, employers and employees are once again stuck in the political crossfire of Congressional inaction. This legislation is crucial for the economy as it not only supports business but gives cash directly to the staff of our member companies. Everyone should and must do their part in returning our country to normalcy and out of this recession.

TIA members are rising to the occasion and working around-the-clock supporting thousands of small trucking companies to ensure shelves are filled with groceries, pharmacies are stocked with essential medicines, and equipment is moving across the country.

Action and leadership are needed now by Congress to ensure American small businesses do not fail and place millions of Americans out of work. We are not asking for a bailout. This is a situation beyond the control of business. Businesses need access to capital immediately, not strings from Senators trying to push their own agenda. The agenda needs to be to keep America working.

Our members, the third-party logistics companies that facilitate freight from the manufacturer (shipper) to the motor carriers and other modes are essential during this COVID-19 pandemic. Many of our members are struggling financially as a result of COVID-19, and now is not the time for Congress to squabble and fall into traditional partisan politics.

The COVID-19 virus does not discriminate between political parties; it attacks across state lines, isolating families and devasting communities. Its time for both parties to pass legislation that takes us out of despair and back into prosperity.

If you have any questions, please contact TIA Advocacy at advocacy@tianet.org or 703.299.5700.

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The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) is the professional organization of the $214 billion third-party logistics industry. TIA is the only organization exclusively representing transportation intermediaries of all disciplines, doing business in domestic and international commerce. TIA is the voice of the 3PL industry to shippers, carriers, government officials and international organizations. TIA is the United States member of the International Federation of Freight Forwarder Associations, FIATA.