The MTD and several of its affiliates are proud supporters of pro-Jones Act legislation reintroduced October 23 by U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA).
Known as the Close Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act, H.R. 5991 would, according to a release issued by Garamendi, “close nearly 50 years of loopholes that disadvantage American workers – known as ‘letter rulings’ – by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Specifically, these loopholes allow federal regulators to circumvent the Jones Act.”
Announcing their support for the measure along with the MTD are affiliates Boilermakers, Machinists, Marine Engineers and Seafarers. Additional Labor support comes from the American Maritime Officers; American Radio Association; International Longshore and Warehouse Union; Marine Firemen’s Union; Masters, Mates & Pilots; Sailors Union of the Pacific; and AFL-CIO Metal Trades Department.
The Jones Act is a 1920 federal law that states cargo moved from one domestic port to another domestic port must be carried aboard a U.S.-flag, U.S.-crewed, U.S.-built and U.S.-owned vessels. The MTD continues to be a staunch supporter of the nation’s cabotage law.
“The U.S. government should do everything in its power to prevent foreign vessels from paying poverty wages to take jobs from American working in our maritime industry,” Garamendi declared. “Sadly, federal regulators have largely enabled it instead.
“My ‘Closing Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act’ would finally enforce the law as Congress intended when it created the Jones Act in 1920. Passing my legislation means maximizing job opportunities for American mariners. My bill will force federal bureaucrats to implement the President’s policy by fully enforcing the Jones Act,” he added.
(President Biden was a longtime supporter of the Jones Act as a U.S. Senator. He reiterated that backing during his first week in the White House in January 2021.)
To see H.R. 5991 in full, click here.