Federal Maritime Commissioner Louis E. Sola wrote the President-elect on November 26, 2024, recommending that Commissioner Rebecca F. Dye be designated Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission.
Dear President-elect Trump,
I hope this letter finds you well as you prepare to take the helm of our nation once again. It is with great respect and urgency that I write to recommend Commissioner Rebecca F. Dye as the next Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).
Commissioner Dye is not only a proven leader with unparalleled expertise in maritime policy and regulatory oversight but also my personal mentor and the reason I chose to serve at the FMC. Her steadfast commitment to excellence and her pragmatic approach to solving complex challenges have made her a cornerstone of the Commission and a tireless advocate for America’s economic strength.
The FMC oversees nearly $5 trillion in trade annually and plays a vital role in advancing your “America First” vision for global commerce. During your first term, the Commission supported your administration’s bold trade policies, ensuring the positive impacts of tariffs that reinforced America’s position as a global leader. As we enter your second term, the FMC stands ready to facilitate even greater opportunities for trade, always putting American workers, businesses, and consumers first.
With the looming International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) port strike set for January 15, 2025, just days before your inauguration, decisive leadership at the FMC is critical. Commissioner Dye’s appointment as Chairman would send a powerful message of stability and resolve to shippers, port operators, and international trade partners. It would demonstrate to the world that the United States is prepared to protect its supply chains, mitigate economic disruptions, and uphold the principles of fair and efficient trade.
I urge you to consider this recommendation as an opportunity to solidify confidence in our maritime industry and showcase your administration’s unwavering commitment to American prosperity. Commissioner Dye’s leadership at the FMC would be an invaluable asset to your second term and a key component in advancing your vision for a stronger, more secure America.
Thank you for your consideration. I am honored to serve in this capacity under your leadership and look forward to supporting your administration’s mission of putting America first.
Respectfully,
Louis E. Sola
Commissioner
Federal Maritime Commission
Louis E. Sola is a Commissioner with the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission. The thoughts and comments expressed here are his own and do not necessarily represent the position of the Commission.