The Jones Act: What You Need to Know
The Jones Act has been in the news after a string of devastating hurricanes stormed through the United States and the Caribbean. Established to promote American maritime industry, the Jones Act (also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920) has come under scrutiny for its effect on disaster relief efforts.
Much has been written about this in the past week, so we've dug deep to find the very best essential reads to bring you up to date.
- The Maritime Law Center explains what the Jones Act is.
- Nelson Denis’s op-ed for The New York Times shows why the Jones Act hurts Puerto Rico.
- At The Hill, Andrew Wilford argues that Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria make it clear the Jones Act should be removed.
- The Federalist makes a case for why Congress shouldn’t repeal the Jones Act.
- Many celebrities have pushed for stronger aid response from the United States government, which includes lifting the Jones Act.
- After previously denying a waiver of the Jones Act, President Trump granted a 10-day lift of the law to aid in Puerto Rico relief efforts, though some point out it took intense pressure to do so.
- If you’d like to help the relief effort for Puerto Rico but aren’t sure how, PBS compiled a list of places where you can send money and/or supplies.