WASHINGTON STATE DEMOCRATS BACK COSCO PETITION

   Sen. Patty Murray, Rep. Norm Dicks and Rep. Jim McDermott, all
Washington State Democrats, have urged the Federal Maritime Commission to approve a petition from China Ocean Shipping Co., that would allow the
Chinese government-owned carrier to match competitors’ shipping rates
within 24 hours.
   Since May 1, when the new ocean shipping reform law went into effect,
COSCO must wait 30 days to match competitors’ shipping rates.
    The Democratic lawmakers cited the Port of Seattle and Washington
State’s "close relationship with COSCO," adding that "we are interested in
preserving this important relationship."
   "To prevent COSCO from competing fairly is contrary to our commitment to a free and open trading system," the lawmakers said in a letter sent to FMC chairman Hal Creel.