FMC officials brief DHS Acting Secretary Chad Wolf on cruise impacts

This included fact-finding investigations on impacts to the cruise industry and the intermodal freight delivery system.

Thursday's briefing included representatives from congressional offices, state and local government, port authorities, the travel and hospitality industries, longshore labor and trade associations.

The commissioners addressed the economic impact the passenger and ocean freight industries have incurred related to COVID-19 and outlined recommendations they have made as fact-finding officers for policy and regulatory responses.

'Committed to open cruise line industry'

'The Department of Homeland Security is committed to working alongside the maritime industry and continuing our unprecedented economic recovery to ultimately reopen our cruise line industry and other maritime businesses as soon as possible for Americans to enjoy once more,' Wolf said.

In addition to leading the Department of Homeland Security, Wolf serves on the White House Coronavirus Task Force.

'We are very grateful for Secretary Wolf’s time and his interest in these issues as policy priorities. We had a substantive discussion about how and when the cruise industry can return to normal operations. Determining what steps must be taken by all parties —  whether government or industry — is critical to getting people back to work,' Sola said.

'Cruise operators and related vendor companies make valuable economic contributions to cities, states and, ultimately, the nation. I am confident that matters discussed today will be shared with other inter-agency groups charged with responding to COVID-19.'

In July, Dye and Sola had a similar meeting with the acting undersecretary for policy for the Department of Transportation.

Both FMC fact-finding investigations continue.