Senate Bill 694 would improve domestic shipping for consumers and producers.
Enacted in 1920, the Jones Act requires cargo shipping between U.S. ports to be done by vessels built, owned, operated and registered in the United States, with crews that are majority American.
The archaic law drives up shipping costs, reduces competition and inhibits economic opportunity, benefiting only a few well-connected interests at the expense of everyone else.
This most noticeably impacts isolated areas, including Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii, because they rely heavily on shipping to and from the islands. Not only does it undermine ability to export goods, but the Jones Act also creates a barrier to bringing those areas rapid relief in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as hurricanes.
The Cato Institute estimates the Jones Act costs tens of billions of dollars a year in transportation and infrastructure, as well as lost wages, output, business and more.
Thankfully, Sen. Mike Lee has introduced Senate Bill 694, the Open America’s Waters Act of 2019, which would repeal the Jones Act.
Tell lawmakers to support S 694 and repeal the Jones Act, today!
Enacted in 1920, the Jones Act requires cargo shipping between U.S. ports to be done by vessels built, owned, operated and registered in the United States, with crews that are majority American.
The archaic law drives up shipping costs, reduces competition and inhibits economic opportunity, benefiting only a few well-connected interests at the expense of everyone else.
This most noticeably impacts isolated areas, including Puerto Rico, Alaska and Hawaii, because they rely heavily on shipping to and from the islands. Not only does it undermine ability to export goods, but the Jones Act also creates a barrier to bringing those areas rapid relief in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as hurricanes.
The Cato Institute estimates the Jones Act costs tens of billions of dollars a year in transportation and infrastructure, as well as lost wages, output, business and more.
Thankfully, Sen. Mike Lee has introduced Senate Bill 694, the Open America’s Waters Act of 2019, which would repeal the Jones Act.
Tell lawmakers to support S 694 and repeal the Jones Act, today!