Urges Congress and President to permanently exempt Puerto Rico from Jones Act.
The resolution highlights the ongoing difficulties Puerto Rico faces, particularly following Hurricane Maria in 2017, which severely damaged infrastructure and left many residents in dire need. The exemption from the Jones Act could allow for cheaper and faster shipping options, especially for humanitarian aid, disaster relief supplies, and fuel necessary for electricity generation. This change would likely ease financial pressures on residents and support a more effective recovery process, addressing both immediate needs and long-term economic challenges.
SCR48 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution introduced in New Jersey which urges the U.S. Congress and President to grant Puerto Rico a permanent exemption from certain provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, specifically the Jones Act. This Act mandates that goods shipped between U.S. ports must be transported on U.S.-flagged vessels, which presents economic challenges for territories like Puerto Rico that rely heavily on shipping for essential goods. The legislation aims to expedite the delivery of goods necessary for recovery from natural disasters and ongoing economic hardship.
However, there are notable points of contention surrounding the Jones Act. Proponents of the Act argue that it protects U.S. maritime jobs and ensures national security through a strong domestic shipping industry. They may raise concerns that exempting Puerto Rico could undermine these goals and lead to a decrease in quality or oversight of shipping standards. The resolution does not directly address these potential drawbacks, which could be an area of community and legislative debate.