Why It Matters

The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) faces a critical window as Congress reshapes maritime policy around three intersecting pressures: historic port infrastructure investment, national security concerns over foreign control of port equipment, and environmental regulations requiring workforce retraining. Having secured a labor agreement with wage increases and expanded automation protections, the union navigates a complex legislative landscape where its interests compete with bipartisan momentum for port modernization.

The core challenge: automation, foreign equipment, and environmental compliance threaten to reshape port operations in ways that could displace workers or erode union control.

By the Numbers

The International Longshoremen’s Association spent $150,000 on in-house lobbying during final quarter 2025. This represents a longstanding operation—the ILA has maintained federal advocacy since 2003, filing 147 disclosures and spending approximately $10.8 million cumulatively.

The union maintained its advocacy focus across traditional priorities: trucking and shipping (64 percent of historical issues), labor and workplace rights (32 percent), and maritime security. The fourth quarter 2025 lobbying followed the union’s landmark January 2025 labor agreement—a tentative six-year contract that received public congressional praise from Ranking Member Bobby Scott (D-VA).

The Agenda

The International Longshoremen’s Association did not disclose specific the fourth quarter of 2025 issues, but historical priorities indicate likely focus areas:

  • Trucking and Shipping: Port operations, supply chain logistics, Harbor Maintenance Tax reform, and infrastructure appropriations
  • Labor and Workplace Issues: Protecting collective bargaining rights, workplace safety, and opposing "Right to Work" legislation
  • Maritime Security: Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program, port security grants, and Coast Guard authorizations
  • Recent Priorities: Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, supply chain resilience, and port automation

Broader Context

The ILA’s lobbying follows a six-year master contract with 62 percent wage increases and automation protections, with Bobby Scott publicly praising the deal as ensuring fair wages and safer workplaces.

Congress is reshaping maritime policy through four major themes:

Port Infrastructure: Bipartisan modernization with record funding for dredging and equipment upgrades, creating workforce demand aligned with union interests.

Maritime Security: Congress passed three major bills in June 2025, including the Secure Our Ports Act, addressing concerns over Chinese ownership—particularly the 80 percent of U.S. ship-to-shore cranes that are Chinese-made. Trump imposed 100 percent tariffs on Chinese cranes starting November 2025.

Workforce Development: The Transportation Worker Identification Credential Program Accessibility Act expands maritime employment access, while congressional focus on automation aligns with ILA priorities.

Environmental Regulations: The International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act proposes vessel emissions fees and workforce training for sustainable operations.

Between The Lines

The 119th Congress is actively shaping maritime policy. February 2025 House subcommittee hearings focused on infrastructure and workforce development, while April hearings advanced security bills limiting foreign port equipment ownership.

Key legislation includes the SHIPS for America Act, providing shipbuilding incentives and workforce training support, and the Transportation Worker Identification Credential Program Accessibility Act, expanding maritime labor pool access.

Members are securing significant port funding: Todd Young (R-IN) and Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) push for equitable Great Lakes investment distribution.

Competitive Landscape

The Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO shares overlapping priorities with ILA on longshore bargaining, automation, and infrastructure.

Corporate stakeholders actively lobby on intersecting issues. Maersk Agency U.S.A. Inc. directly lobbied on ILA-USMX negotiations alongside port congestion issues. Other engaged groups include the Specialty Equipment Market Association and Household and Commercial Products Association.

The Bottom Line

The ILA’s $150,000 final quarter 2025 lobbying follows a landmark labor agreement with strong congressional support. Congressional action includes the SHIPS for America Act, port security measures, and worker credential access expansion.

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