Maryland Congressional Delegation Meets to Discuss Critical Priorities for the Port of Baltimore

Yesterday, members of Maryland’s Congressional Delegation held a meeting at the United States Capitol to discuss their work on a range of issues relating to the Port of Baltimore, including its infrastructure needs, long-term stability, and growth. During the meeting, the lawmakers heard from Port leadership and stakeholders about upcoming modernization projects, investments, general workforce updates, and more. The Port of Baltimore generates $70 billion annually in economic impacts to Maryland, and 273,000 total jobs in Maryland are connected to the Port. Video of the members’ press availability following the meeting is available here . “Maryland is a leading hub for trade and commerce – and the Port of Baltimore is a key part of our success, generating thousands of jobs and bolstering our economy. Yesterday’s meeting was a great opportunity for Team Maryland to come together with Port leadership and key stakeholders to discuss our past efforts and plan for how we will build on those efforts for the future of the Port. Working alongside state and local partners, we will keep fighting to deliver resources and support so communities across Maryland reap the benefits of a strong and vibrant Port,” said Senator Van Hollen. “The Port is more than just the pride of Baltimore. It’s a state treasure, and it’s an economic engine for the nation and the rest of the world. Our support for Baltimore and the Port remains strong, because a strong Port makes us better, makes our economy stronger, and makes us more sustainable. We have to continue looking at every opportunity to invest in this economic engine that consumers, businesses, workers, and economies worldwide depend on. And I look forward to working with Team Maryland on Capitol Hill to continue fighting for the resources that keep us on the cutting edge,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “The Port of Baltimore has always been a mighty force in job creation and economic growth in our state. I was glad to meet with the Maryland Congressional Delegation, Maryland Port Administration leadership, and local Port leaders to discuss the significant economic development accomplishments and opportunities for our nation's exports out of Baltimore. Investing in our infrastructure and transportation systems at the Port will improve shipping capacity, competitiveness, and business opportunities for the communities across Maryland that depend on the port. The delegation will continue working with our federal, state, and local partners to secure the investments needed to strengthen the Port of Baltimore, grow our economy, and create jobs here in Maryland and across the country,” said Congressman Hoyer. “The Port of Baltimore is a booming economic gateway for the Free State and the nation,” said Congressman Raskin. “While President Trump’s chaotic and costly trade war and tariffs have reduced imports, Team Maryland will continue fighting for the federal funding needed to keep the port an accessible, attractive destination for the largest cargo ships and create more high-paying union jobs.” “The Port of Baltimore has been able to survive ups and downs of the economy for over 100 years. Now, the President’s economic strategy that prioritizes tariffs over jobs is adding additional hardship. The President’s ongoing, illegal war in Iran is driving up the cost to ship everything, which directly impacts our port and our economy. But Team Maryland will be able to overcome that. We're in Washington and working together to deliver, not just for the Port, not just for the 2,400 Longshoremen who work in the Port, but for our economy and state as a whole,” said Congresswoman Elfreth. “To write the future of the Port of Baltimore, we will be taking inspiration from what once was – back to the Baltimore clippers and the hundreds of Liberty ships built during World War II. It is time for Maryland to lead in shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing once again.” “Investing in the Port of Baltimore isn’t just about concrete, cranes, and cargo — it’s about investing in people,” said Congressman Olszewski. “Two and a half years after the Key Bridge collapse, we have a responsibility to rebuild stronger and keep investing in the infrastructure that makes the Port a national economic asset. When we prioritize the Port, we are prioritizing jobs, families, and the future of Maryland.”