Garamendi Statement on 106th Anniversary of Jones Act

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08), a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure and Armed Services Committees, issued the following statement on the 106^th anniversary of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920- popularly known as the Jones Act:

"On this anniversary of the Jones Act, I recognize the vital role of our nation's maritime industry and workforce. The Jones Act has promoted self-reliance, when foreign flagged and crewed vessels are knocking on the door to take American jobs and shipping routes.

"Over the past three months, despite Trump's promises to put American workers first, the Trump Administration issued a 60-day Jones Act waiver, and subsequent 90-day extension, justifying it as a tool to lower gas prices. But gas prices are still sky-high because of the strain on the global crude oil supply due to the Iran war. The only beneficiaries of the Jones Act waiver are foreign ships that don't need to pay American taxes or comply with U.S. Coast Guard Safety regulations.

"I stand with maritime labor and our U.S. maritime industry in honoring the Jones Act, today and everyday as we fight to protect this transformative law. As a senior member on the House Armed Services Committee, I secured a critical Jones Act provision that will close dangerous loopholes for foreign ships of concern in this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). But the job is not done. I will continue the push to bring commonsense measures to Congress that invests in American maritime strength."

The Jones Act requires any cargo moving between U.S. ports to be carried by ships built in America, owned and operated by U.S. citizens, and crewed by American mariners.

###