SENATOR John McCain has introduced new proposals to repeal the US Jones Act
The Jones Act, its formal name the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, requires that all goods shipped between ports of the US be carried by vessels built in the US, and owned, operated, and crewed by Americans.
Jones Act supporters point to the Acts ability to preserve the careers of the country’s merchant mariners, and to ensure that shipbuilding and some technology development continues to be carried out in the US.
But while the Act does allow for shipbuilding technology skills to remain in the US, critics say vessels are being built at prices far higher than other more competitive shipbuilders in countries like China and South Korea
Critics also say the Act is old fashioned protectionism which in an age of free trade should be abolished. Senator McCain, a Republican from Arizona, is one of those critics.
In a press statement released on his campaign website earlier this month he wrote:“I have long advocated the repeal of the Jones Act, an archaic and burdensome law that hinders free trade, stifles the economy, and ultimately harms consumers.”
“My legislation would eliminate this regulation, freeing American shippers from the requirement that they act against their own business interests. By allowing U.S. shippers to purchase affordable foreign-made carriers, this legislation would reduce shipping costs, make American farmers and businesses more competitive in the global marketplace, and bring down the cost of goods and services for American consumers”.
Previous attempts to abolish or alter the Jones Act have failed.
The Senate bill can be found here.
Fathom-News.com
