Republicans Issue Warning To Biden
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) has sharply criticized President Biden for his inaction during the ongoing dockworkers’ strike, which he warns could have dire consequences for American families already grappling with skyrocketing inflation. On Thursday’s “Fox & Friends,” Scalise highlighted the potential economic fallout, arguing that the president’s failure to act could “wreck” the U.S. economy.
Scalise emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “We’re losing over $5 billion a day, and as this strike continues, families are going to face even higher prices.” He pointed out that the ongoing strike by the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) could lead to greater scarcity of essential goods, exacerbating the burdens already placed on consumers.
The ILA, representing 45,000 dockworkers, initiated this strike—the first since 1977—after their contract with the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) expired. The strike affects 36 ports along the Gulf and East coasts, which handle over half of the nation’s container traffic and significant portions of vital exports like pork and poultry.
While the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act provides the president with the authority to intervene in such labor disputes by enacting an 80-day “cooling off” period, Biden has refrained from taking any decisive action. This hesitation has left many questioning the administration’s commitment to addressing issues that impact everyday Americans.
Negotiations have stalled over demands for wage increases and concerns about automation in the industry. Scalise dismissed calls from the ILA to ban automation, arguing that the focus should be on making American ports competitive on the global stage. “We can’t afford to cripple our economy to placate union demands. Many dockworkers are already earning significant wages—some over $200,000 a year with overtime,” he noted.
The consequences of the strike are far-reaching. With many families already struggling to make ends meet, Scalise stressed the need for leadership that prioritizes economic stability. “Families earning $50,000 a year are pleading for relief from rising costs, yet the Biden administration seems indifferent to their plight,” he asserted.
Moreover, Scalise questioned the president’s priorities, pointing out that Biden has spent considerable time at the beach while the country grapples with multiple crises, including the dockworkers’ strike, Hurricane Helene’s aftermath, and escalating violence in the Middle East. “It’s concerning to see our leaders absent during such critical times. Who is truly in charge right now?” Scalise asked.
As the nation faces these challenges, Scalise believes the American people will make their voices heard in the upcoming elections. “The divide is clear. While we push for solutions like securing the southern border and increasing American energy production, the Biden administration stands against these initiatives. The results speak for themselves—Americans are feeling the pinch, and it’s time for a change,” he concluded.
As the situation develops, it remains critical for our leaders to prioritize the needs of American families and ensure that our economy remains strong in the face of adversity.