House Majority Whip Steve Scalise To Receive AAPA’s 2017 ‘Port Person’ Award

U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise

AAPA will bestow its 2017 "Port Person of the Year" award on U.S. Congressman and House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) for his strong advocacy of the maritime industry since coming to Congress in 2008. The presentation will be made April 4 during the association’s Spring Conference in Washington (DC).

"Since he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Scalise has shown he understands that ports play a central role in driving our nation’s economy and creating good, American jobs," said Kurt Nagle, AAPA’s president and CEO. "From his seat at the House leadership table, we believe Congressman Scalise will continue to focus on modernizing our ports and serving as a strong advocate for maritime and port issues."

Now serving his sixth term representing Louisiana’s First Congressional District, Congressman Scalise has built a broad coalition of port and maritime leaders with the creation of the Maritime Advisory Council, which meets annually in New Orleans. He also organizes bipartisan educational trips for members to visit New Orleans, Port Fourchon and offshore oil and gas facilities to provide lawmakers a better understanding of the nation’s energy industry and the ports that support it.

"This recognition is well deserved," said Brandy Christian, president and CEO of the Port of New Orleans, which nominated Congressman Scalise for the honor. "He has repeatedly taken the initiative to educate his colleagues on the critical issues facing the maritime industry and to establish forums to listen to industry stakeholder concerns. We look forward to working with Congressman Scalise to continue to build broad support for our nation’s waterways and increased investment in port infrastructure."

During the 113th Congress, Cong. Scalise served as chairman of the Republican Study Committee where he worked to educate his Congressional colleagues on the importance of the Water Resources Reform and Development Act (WRRDA) of 2014. Using his policy experience and coalition building skills, he was able to bring much-needed reforms to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to advance his agenda of updating aging infrastructure so America’s ports can remain competitive in the global economy.

The Port Person of the Year award recognizes an individual or individuals who have made significant contributions to the port industry. Recent recipients include: U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) and Cong. Mike Simpson (R-ID) – 2016; Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) and Lic. Guillermo Ruiz de Teresa, General Coordinator of Mexican Ports and Merchant Marine – 2015; Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Cong. Bill Shuster (R-PA) – 2014; Cong. Janice Hahn (D-CA) and Cong. Ted Poe (R-TX) – 2013; Cong. John Mica (R-FL) – 2012; U.S. Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) – 2011; Adm. Thad W. Allen, Commandant, U.S. Coast Guard and David L. Emerson, P.C., former Minister of Industry, International Trade and Foreign Affairs for the Government of Canada – 2010.