WASHINGTON REPORT Rebuilding Our Supply Chain in the Wake of COVID-19

generation. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act strengthened the authority of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) by providing it with new tools to help level the playing field for American exporters and counteract anticompetitive behavior. It allows the FMC to more efficiently resolve disputes between ocean carriers and shippers, while also taking actions at the U.S. Department of Transportation to alleviate strain across the supply chain.

Many of our supply chain woes are a result of dependency on China and a lack of accountability towards their improper business practices. OSRA 2.0 corrects that.

OSRA 2.0 builds on the progress of its predecessor and further cracks down on the Chinese Communist Party’s attempt to disrupt and influence America’s supply chain.

The pandemic seemingly brought the cracks in our supply chain to the surface. From cargo ships to planes, semi-trucks to trains, it seems we have hit roadblock after roadblock the last few years. It’s time to get our supply chain on the right track literally.

As a Representative from an agriculture dominated state, the flaws in our system became extremely apparent in the food processing space and ocean shipping industry at the end of 2020. We all witnessed the unprecedented number of cargo ships clogged at American ports from California to Florida. South Dakota dairy was sitting at ports waiting to be shipped overseas for months – eventually rotting – because foreign-flagged ocean carriers were prioritizing Chinese electronics over American food exports.

These unfair shipping trade practices got so bad, it resulted in billions of dollars in losses to American food producers. Someone had to step in. I found a partner in a Democrat from California, Representative John Garamendi, and we got to work on the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.

Our bipartisan bill, now law, was the strongest fix to our maritime laws in a

The Ocean Shipping Reform Act strengthened the authority of the Federal Maritime Commission by providing it with new tools to help level the playing field for American exporters.

The bill has evidently eased supply chain pressures by addressing unfair ocean carrier practices, speeding up the resolution of disputes over carrier fees, and improving the movement of goods at our nation’s ports. But there’s more we can do.

I’m working on a number of additional proposals to further strengthen our supply chain.

First, I want to do more to solidify America’s supply chain. That’s why in March, Representative Garamendi and I introduced the Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act, or OSRA 2.0 as I like to call it. Our bill builds on the progress of its predecessor and further cracks down on the Chinese Communist Party’s attempt to disrupt and influence America’s supply chain.

OSRA 2.0 prohibits U.S. ports from using Chinese state-sponsored shipping software, allows the FMC to investigate foreign shipping exchanges like the Shanghai Shipping Exchange to preempt improper business practices, and authorizes the FMC to streamline data standards for maritime freight logistics.

We know the areas of our supply chain that need improvement—Congress should act now rather than wait until the next crisis arises. American consumers and businesses need stability. While congestion levels at U.S. ports have significantly declined, businesses continue to face domestic shipping delays. I want to solve our domestic problems, too.

That’s why I introduced the SHIP IT Act, which includes a number of initiatives that would help add fluidity to the movement of freight in America. My bill would strengthen our supply chain by increasing shipping capacity, lessening the burdens on current and future truck drivers. Specifically, it would modernize the authority for certain vehicle waivers during emergencies, allowing waivers in response to disease and supply chain emergencies. It would also provide incentives to recruit and retain drivers by allowing truck drivers to apply for workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act grants and would create targeted and temporary tax credits for new truck drivers.

The SHIP IT Act would also increase truck weight allowing for increased shipping capacity across the United States.

There is a menu of solutions to our nation’s supply chain issues. Congress should take a serious look at solving these problems before they turn into a crisis. I’ll continue to push for these important solutions. ■

Job Opportunities

Airport Operations/Maintenance Technician - City of Pierre, SD. Provides general daily oversight of airside operations  by monitoring overall airfi eld safety, performs vehicle and  equipment maintenance, airfi eld lighting maintenance, and  aircraft rescue fi refi ghter duties. Maintains lighting systems,  vehicles, equipment, grounds, structures, pavement, and turf.  Assists in overseeing wildlife management at airport through  annual training, assisting in depredation permits, and overseeing  bird strike report program. Maintains documentation and records  of all actions taken on airfi eld to ensure compliance with FAA  Part 139 certifi cation requirements. Wage offer based upon  actual education and experience. UP TO A $3,000 HIRING  BONUS! Apply: Human Resources Offi  ce, City of Pierre, Box  1253, 2301 Patron Parkway, Pierre, SD 57501, (605) 773-7429,  www.cityofpierre.org. Open until fi lled. EOE.

Apprentice Lineman - City of Wessington Springs, SD. Must  have line worker certifi cation or willing to obtain. Job duties also  include meter reading and helping other City Departments as  needed. Applicants will be required to obtain a CDL and will  be subject to DOT testing. Excellent benefi t package. To apply  submit a cover letter, resume, work history, and three work  related references to Linda Willman, Finance Offi  cer. Electronic:  wessprsd@venturecomm.net or mail to City Hall PO Box 443,  Wessington Springs, SD 57382. For questions, please call 605539-1691. Open until fi lled. EOE.

Classifieds

Assistant City Engineer (PE) - Public Works Department, City of Watertown, SD. Assists the Public Works Director/City  Engineer with administrative oversight, leadership, planning,  coordinating and implementation of the Engineering Division  in order to ensure essential services are provided to plan,  design, construct, and maintain the public infrastructure and  provide for public safety, health and welfare. Minimum required  qualifi cations: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering with  fi ve years of progressively responsible related engineering  experience and two years supervisory experience. Salary:   Grade 180/Pay Range= $87,131.20 - $114,940.80/year. Learn  more and apply at http://www.watertownsd.us/Jobs.aspx. Open  until fi lled.

City Administrator - City of Maple Plain, MN. Serves as  the chief administrative offi  cer of the City and is responsible  for the planning, direction, and oversight related to the proper  administration and operations of all municipal functions and  services. Serves as the chief fi nancial offi  cer and is responsible  for fi nancial modeling and reporting. Supervises the paid staff  and manages the performance of contracted services that  provide planning, auditing, building inspections, engineering,  public works, legal services, and I.T. Accountable directly to the  City Council. Salary: $90,000 to $110,000. View the full position  profi le at https://www.ddahumanresources.com/active-searches.  Closes June 6.

City Manager – City of Sturgis, SD. The City of Sturgis is  recruiting for a City Manager to lead our full-service municipal  government (water, wastewater, garbage collection, stormwater  / fl oodplain, municipal liquor store, EMS, police, planning &  zoning, Rally & events, library, animal shelter, and community  center). Home of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Sturgis is  also a vibrant, growing community in the northern Black Hills. The  City Manager is responsible for the day-to-day administration of  the City and is under the direction of the City Council. Apply to  Attention: City Manager Recruitment, 1040 Harley-Davidson  Way, Sturgis, SD 57785, or lkatzenstein@sturgisgov.com. Open  until the position is fi lled. First review of candidates June 2.

Communications Officer – City of Pierre, SD. Work as part  of a team operating the Central South Dakota Communications  Center, the 911-Emergency Dispatch Center for central South  Dakota. Receive calls for assistance from the public, documenting  and dispatching appropriate public safety personnel for those  calls. Receive, process and send radio communications for  various law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services,  and local fi re departments. Comprehensive benefi t package.  UP TO $3000 HIRING BONUS! Open until fi lled. EOE. Apply:  Human Resources Offi  ce, City of Pierre, Box 125, Pierre, SD  57501, Phone (605) 773-7429 or www.cityofpierre.org.

Communications Officer - City of Spearfish, SD. Responsible  for performing emergency and non-emergency communications functions. Knowledge and level of competency commonly  associated with completion of specialized training in the fi eld of  work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high  school education. Suffi  cient experience to understand the basic  principles relevant to the major duties of the position, usually  associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship  or having had a similar position for one to two years. Apply at  www.cityofspearfi sh.com. Starting wage $20.87 plus $2 per hour  rotating shift stipend; comprehensive benefi ts. $4,000 sign-on  bonus. Open until fi lled. EOE.

County Manager - Lewis County, Chehalis, WA. Lewis County,  Wash., is seeking an experienced County Manager to lead this  well-managed organization located in the heart of Cascade  country, halfway between Seattle and Portland. The county  encompasses the cities of Centralia and Chehalis and serves  as a gateway to several of Washington's most-visited mountain  peaks. Serving a population of 84,000 across 2,436 miles, the  county operates with a 2023 budget of $191 million and a team  of 600 FTEs.  Learn more at gmphr.com. First review is June 4.

Deputy Police Officer - City of Tyndall, SD. Responsible for  performing routine and professional law enforcement work in a  variety of police department activities and to maintain law and  order in the City of Tyndall, while under the direct supervision of  the Chief of Police and the Mayor. Must meet certain eligibility  requirements. Fulltime position, salary DOE, benefi t package.

Submit resume, request application by calling 605-589-3481; by mail at PO Box 29, Tyndall, SD 57066; or by email at tyndalsd@ heartlandpower.org. Open until filled. EOE.

Director of Human Resources - Beltrami County, MN. Performs complex professional work planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the Human Resources Department, and related work as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the general direction of the County Administrator. Departmental supervision is exercised over all personnel within the department. Salary: $88,816 to $116,230. View the full position profile at https://www.ddahumanresources.com/active-searches. Please direct any questions to Gary Weiers at gary@daviddrown.com or 612-920-3320 x108. Open until filled.

Engineering Technician – City of Watertown, SD. Provides technical support to the Lake Kampeska Watershed Project District (LKWPD). This includes: coordination of shore stabilization, lake quality testing, lake monitoring, and other projects as assigned. Provides other technical related duties to achieve the objectives of the Engineering Division, including surveying, operating computer aided drafting (CAD), and geographic information systems (GIS); producing plans and specifications for projects; administering projects, conducting research and gathering data; providing information regarding projects; and observing and inspecting construction to ensure compliance. Learn more and apply at www.watertownsd.us/Jobs.aspx. Open until filled. EOE.

Heavy Equipment Operator – City of Madison, SD. Operates equipment in the construction, repair, snow removal and maintenance of public infrastructure. Operates various types of equipment, assists with storm clean up, bails recyclable materials, street cleaning, cleaning ditches and culverts, trims trees and assists in other duties with other departments as needed. Knowledge of street equipment and maintenance along with skill in the use of hand and power tools is required. Excellent benefit package. Full job description at www.cityofmadisonsd. com/Jobs. Open until filled. EOE.

IT Specialist – City of Huron, SD. Under the general supervision of the IT Director, the Information Technology Specialist operates and maintains City computer systems including the servers and stand-alone PCs; supports local area networks and accompanying software; and performs other related work as assigned. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or other computer related field with three years related experience in supporting a multi-user, multi-functional data management system required. Acceptable combination of education and experience in a related field may be considered.

Salary: $2,447.46 bi-weekly. Apply online: huronsd.gov/Jobs. aspx. Open until filled.

Journey Lineman - City of Flandreau, SD. The City of Flandreau is seeking applications for a Journeyman Lineman for its Municipal Electric Utility. Preferred applicants will have completed a Powerline Construction and Maintenance vocational program and have obtained a Journeyman certificate. The City will consider apprentice candidates. Position includes a competitive benefits package. Hiring range dependent on experience. Interested candidates are directed to cityofflandreau. com, where applications can be found under the "Employment" tab. A completed application and resume should be sent to cohlturnquist@cityofflandreau.com. Please call Cohl Turnquist at (605)-997-2492 with any questions. Open until filled.

Maintenance - City of Waubay, SD. Applications are being accepted for a full- or part-time city maintenance worker. Duties include snow removal, repair and maintenance of streets, parks, and cemetery. Monitoring maintenance and record keeping of water and sewer systems. Must be able to operate heavy equipment. Must hold a valid SD driver's license with CDL endorsement or must obtain within 90 days of employment. State water and sewer certifications, and pesticide license must be obtained within one year of employment. Salary DOE. Open until filled. EOE.

Park & Cemetery Crew Leader - City of Milbank, SD. Responsible for managing the City Park System and the Milbank City Cemetery. Prior experience with heavy equipment, turf management and irrigation beneficial. Directs and works by prioritizing and directing work to meet the changing needs of the city parks and cemetery. Develops and assigns work schedules and programs on a day-to-day basis to optimize the utilization of labor, time, and equipment in maintaining parks and cemeteries.

Salary: Grade 15, $21.78 - $24.75/hourly DOE. Competitive benefits package. Learn more and apply at https://www. milbanksd.com/city-of-milbank/employment/. Open until filled.

Park Maintenance Worker – City of Pierre, SD. Performs a variety of building and grounds maintenance and repair duties

Classifieds

including irrigation projects. Responsible for snow removal. Maintains grounds by mowing grass along with pruning and removal of trees and shrubs. QUALIFICATIONS: Experience working on irrigation systems would be beneficial. Skill in operating equipment and tools used in park operations such as tractors, mowers, snow removal equipment, tree removal equipment and power tools including chainsaws. Wage offer will be based upon actual education and experience. Comprehensive benefit package. Up to $2,000 annually for educational reimbursement. UP TO A $3,000 HIRING BONUS! Apply at www.cityofpierre.org. Open until fille. EOE.

Patrol Officer - City of Pierre, SD. Performs law enforcement & public safety duties as necessary to maintain law & order in the City of Pierre. Must be at least 21 years of age, have a high school diploma or GED, & pass the police entry level examinations including a background investigation. Prior experience in law enforcement is desirable. Certified officer preferred. Comprehensive benefit package. Up to $3,000 hiring bonus. Apply: Human Resources Office, City of Pierre, Box 1253, Pierre, SD 57501, (605)773-7429, www.cityofpierre.org.

Open until filled. EOE.

Patrol Officer - City of Watertown, SD. Performs general duty police work for the apprehension of criminals, prevention of crimes, protection of life and property, and general enforcement of all laws and ordinances on an assigned shift under general supervision. Duties may also include in-depth investigation of criminal offenses as assigned. Salary: Grade 145- $25.89$29.74 / hourly DOE. Application forms and complete position descriptions are available at City Hall Finance Office or online at http://www.watertownsd.us/Jobs.aspx. Open until filled.

Police Officer - City of Martin, SD. Proactive enforcement of State and Federal Laws; protection of life and property, investigation of criminal activity, and report preparation. Applicants must be of good moral character; complete and pass a comprehensive background check; be able to work with little to no supervision; have good communication skills, and must be eligible for certification or currently certified by the SD Law Enforcement Standards and Training Commission. Starting wage: $16.25 per hour/$18.25 with certification (depending on training and experience). Full benefits including health ins, life ins, SD Retirement, holidays, vacation, and sick pay. Please contact Martin Police Department 605-685-6765, City Office 605-685-6525 or email martinpd@gwtc.net. Open until filled.

Police Officer - City of Milbank, SD. Enforce local, state, and federal laws, prevent and suppress crime and accidents, and promote public safety through community policing principles. Responsible for the investigation of criminal cases as assigned. Full-time position. Salary: Grade 14 Non-certified, $20.35; Grade

Our attorneys work as a team, giving us a unique ability to consult on the full scope of legal needs for municipalities without having to look outside our firm. Our value-driven approach has led us to become a strategic partner for the communities we serve.

15 Certified, $21.78 - $25.94/ hourly DOE. Competitive benefits package. Full description and apply at https://www.milbanksd. com/city-of-milbank/employment. Open until filled.

Police Officer - City of Spearfish, SD. Enforce local, state, and federal laws, prevent, and suppress crime and accidents, and promote public safety through community policing principles. Responsible for the investigation of criminal cases as assigned. Requirements: Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education; possession of or ability to readily obtain South Dakota Law Enforcement Certification. Full-time position. Starting wage range: $26.72 - $32.55 per hour plus a $2 per hour rotating shift stipend, competitive benefit package. Full description and apply at www.cityofspearfish.com. Open until filled. EOE.

Police Officer - City of Webster, SD. Performs law enforcement and public safety duties to maintain law and order in the city. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. Full-time position, salary, DOE and benefit package. Submit resume or request an application from City Finance Office at 605-345-3241. Open until filled.

Recreation Assistant (part-time) - City of Madison, SD. Assisting youth through adults at the Madison Community Center in recreation programs and activities, as well as students in our intramural programs. Work is typically performed indoors and outdoors, working hours can vary by program and can be flexible. Hours are scheduled to meet the needs of the community center recreation and intramural program while offering various programs and events to serve the community. The position works with youth, adults, students, employees, and the general public. Full description at https://www.cityofmadisonsd.com/Jobs.aspx. Open until filled. EOE.

Street Maintenance Tech - City of Milbank, SD. Maintains and repairs streets and alleys in Milbank, including plowing snow. Assists in the ordering of supplies, materials, and stocks for repair and maintenance of items and equipment to continue the operation, repair, and maintenance of streets, department facilities, and equipment as needed. Assists in coordinated activities with other City departments. Assists with mosquito and weed spraying in the summer months, once certified. Full-time position, requiring some weekend and holiday hours. Successful candidate will have a SD driver's license with CDL endorsement. Salary: 13, $19.02 - $22.57/hourly DOE. Application and job description found at: https://www.milbanksd.com/city-of-milbank/ employment/. Open until filled.

Supervising Engineer, Water/Wastewater Treatment – City of Aberdeen, SD. Provides professional engineering leadership  and is responsible for coordinating and directing the operations of  the water and wastewater treatments facilities. Provide direction  and guidance to staff at the water treatment plant and water  reclamation facility. Serve as the City engineering representative  to all capital projects related to water and wastewater treatment  to include contract administration and conducting inspections.  Ensure the water treatment plant and water reclamation facility  operate in compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.  Minimum Salary: $94,744/annually (24A). Learn more and apply  at https://aberdeen.sd.us/Jobs.aspx. First review of applications  June 19.

Traveling Code Enforcement Officer - Code Enforcement Specialists. Code Enforcement Specialists, a rapidly growing  independent company specializing in code enforcement for  small and medium sized communities, is looking for an individual  willing to do some travel and perform code enforcement  services. Excellent pay and hours are fl exible. Experience is  not necessary, but a background in law enforcement would be  helpful. On-the-job training is provided. Please inquire at (605)  208-0786 for details.

Utility Billing Technician – City of Pierre, SD. Responsible  for accurate and timely utility billing, as well as independently  and proactively identifying and troubleshooting problems and  customer concerns. Performs the utility billing functions as well  as playing a key role in customer service; maintains all meter  and utility account records, energy assistance contracts, and  processes utility service orders. Manages the Bright Energy  Solutions Rebate Program. Position requires strong systems  analysis and customer service skills. Wage offer based upon  actual education and experience. Comprehensive benefi t  package. UP TO $3000 HIRING BONUS! Apply: Human  Resources Director, P.O. Box 1253, Pierre SD (605) 773-7429,  www.cityofpierre.org. Open until fi lled. EOE.

Wastewater Maintenance Technician - City of Milbank, SD. Ensure the Milbank Wastewater Treatment Facility is maintained  mechanically functional and in running condition. Make regular  tours of the wastewater facility; read charts, gauges, and other  instruments; and record information on plant logs. Collect  wastewater and sludge samples and perform basic fi eld and  laboratory analysis on collected samples. Interpret all data  accumulated and make equipment and process control changes  within the guidelines established by management. Make  needed repairs on equipment, pumps, and electric motors, both  mechanical and electrical. Must be able to obtain a valid SD  Wastewater Operator Class I certifi cation within one year. Pay  starts at $19.02 to $22.57/hr., DOE. Learn more and apply at  https://www.milbank.sd.com/city-of-milbank/employment/. Open  until fi lled.

Water System Technician - City of Milbank, SD. Plan, review  and operate, maintain, and repair the Water Department Utility,  including water supply, collection, treatment, and distribution  equipment facilities. This role also assists in the collection of  water samples, performs visual checks of facilities for equipment  malfunctions, maintains records of logs, and helps locate  underground utilities. Monitor control panel, gauges, and meters  to ensure proper water plant operation. Salary: Grade 13, $19.02  - $22.57/hourly DOE. Competitive benefi ts package. Learn more and apply at https://www.milbanksd.com/city-of-milbank/ employment/. Open until fi lled.

For Sale: Surplus Mowers - City of Wall, SD. The City of Wall  is accepting sealed bids for two Kubota mowers: 2009 ZD331  Kubota ‘Zero Turn’ Mower with a 3 Cylinder Diesel engine and  a 72” cutting deck with 987 hours; and a 2011 ZD331 Kubota  ‘Zero Turn’ Mower with a 3 Cylinder Diesel engine and a 72”  cutting deck with 1502 hours. For additional information, please  contact Garrett Bryan, Public Works Director at 605-515-1771.  Bids may be mailed to City of Wall, PO Box 314, Wall, SD 57790  or delivered to Wall City Offi  ce, 501 Main St., Wall, SD. Closes  June 5 at 2 p.m.

Find full descriptions, links to applications, more listings, or place  an ad online:

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