The Jones Act

Floor Speech

Ms. LINDA T. SÁNCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Jones Act.

Enacted after World War I, the Jones Act ensures that America's domestic commerce is carried by U.S. vessels built and repaired in U.S. shipyards, and crewed and owned by U.S. citizens.

The Jones Act ensures a ready merchant marine fleet in time of war. And it prevents our economy from being dominated by foreign interests who don't pay American taxes, hire American workers, or even follow American health, safety, and environmental laws.

I would expect all patriotic Americans to support the Jones Act. In the past we have, but recently some in this body have tried to blame the Jones Act for BP's failure to clean up its own mess. Nothing could be further from the truth. There is no evidence that the Jones Act has interfered with the cleanup in any way.

We are in a recession. It's time to work together to expand American manufacturing and create jobs, not play partisan games. I urge my colleagues to stop posturing and start supporting American families by supporting the Jones Act.

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