Opposition to the Trump administration's extension of the Jones Act waiver is growing. Now, top lawmakers in the House labor committee have joined a rising group of maritime unions, domestic operators, and industry orga...
Opposition to the Trump administration's extension of the Jones Act waiver is growing. Now, top lawmakers in the House labor committee have joined a rising group of maritime unions, domestic operators, and industry organizations. They warn that this policy is hurting the U.S. shipping industry and is not actually lowering fuel prices.
In a statement released on Thursday, Congressional Labor Caucus Co-Chairs Donald Norcross, Mark Pocan, Steven Horsford, and Debbie Dingell criticized the administration's decision to extend the emergency waiver for another 90 days.
“We stand with American mariners who protect our nation’s shipping and industrial capacity,” the lawmakers stated. “Their work is essential for both our economy and national security.”
The waiver was first introduced in March and is now extended until mid-August. It allows foreign-flagged ships to transport oil, gasoline, diesel, LNG, fertilizer, and other items between U.S. ports due to disruptions linked to the shipping crisis in the Middle East and rising energy prices.
The White House argues that this measure is needed to maintain flexibility in supply as global energy markets face challenges due to the conflict around the Strait of Hormuz.
However, critics in the maritime industry say that the waiver has been extended far beyond the limited emergency exemptions usually allowed under U.S. law.
“By continuously waiving the Jones Act, the Administration undermines American workers and weakens our maritime competitiveness,” the Labor Caucus leaders stated. “Another extension is a direct hit to hardworking Americans who deserve our support.”
This statement adds to the growing backlash from major maritime groups, including the American Waterways Operators, Seafarers International Union, American Maritime Partnership, Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association, Offshore Marine Service Association, and the Transportation Institute.
Jennifer Carpenter, president and CEO of the American Waterways Operators, previously described the extension as “a gut punch to American workers,” claiming that the current law already allows for specific waivers in genuine transportation shortages.