Another Attempt to Repeal Jones Act Cabottage Laws

By: Arthur Crais

Senator Mike Lee, R-Utah,on March 7, 2019 introduced S. 694 to repeal the Jones Act and "and allow all qualified vessels to engage in domestic trade between U.S. ports" as reported in a press release made by the Senator's office. (https://www.lee.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=A7A7FC67-4600-4765-95E5-5DEF3DC571FF)  Readers may recall that Sen. John McCain, R-AZ deceased, often introduced legislation to repeal the Jones Act and the coastwise trade laws of the U.S. to open all transport of passengers and goods to all vessels whether U.S. flag or not. It is rather curious that the legislation originates from Senators representing totally landlocked states.I just checked the web site of Congress. As of this writing a copy of the legislation is not available. The only information presently available is: "A summary is in progress."The impact on the State of Louisiana alone could be catastrophic as, according to statistics I read from an economic survey of the impact of the maritime industry on Louisiana, the state has the largest number of licensed seaman with a payroll in excess of $5 Billion. Certainly other states along the Gulf coast would also be adversely affected, from Texas to Alabama. The offshore service vessel companies centered in the state would certainly be substantially affected should foreign flag vessels be allowed to transport personnel and cargo to the offshore locations. In addition, it would seem that if the inland tug and barge trade were also open to foreign flag vessels, companies located in ports in the Mississippi River watershed would also feel the impact. Aside from that it would also appear to this writer that security risks of opening internal waters to foreign flag vessels would substantially increase.