Urges Congress and President to permanently exempt Puerto Rico from Jones Act.
Impact
The resolution highlights that the shipping limitations imposed by the Jones Act have resulted in higher costs for goods imported to Puerto Rico, which is particularly detrimental given the island's reliance on maritime shipping for economic sustainability. The bill points out the amplified struggles faced by Puerto Rico following Hurricanes Maria and the subsequent recovery efforts. The exemption is proposed to facilitate the delivery of necessary humanitarian aid and resources to stabilize the economy post-disaster and improve general accessibility to consumer goods on the island.
Summary
SCR31 is a concurrent resolution urging Congress and the President of the United States to permanently exempt Puerto Rico from certain provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, commonly known as the Jones Act. The Jones Act imposes restrictions on the shipping of goods between U.S. ports, requiring that all goods be transported on U.S.-flagged vessels that are constructed, owned, and crewed by U.S. citizens and permanent residents. This bill addresses the disproportionate impacts of these shipping restrictions on U.S. territories like Puerto Rico, especially in times of crisis.
Contention
While the bill advocates for alleviating shipping costs and increasing efficiency in delivering aid and necessary goods, there may be contention regarding the broader implications of permanently exempting Puerto Rico from the Jones Act. Proponents argue that it would significantly expedite recovery efforts and lower consumer prices, whereas opponents may voice concerns about the potential impacts on U.S. maritime industries and national security considerations tied to the Jones Act's original purpose.