Posted:
June 12, 2015
In a statement on the floor of the House of Representatives June 9, Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-WA) highlighted the importance of the Jones Act to national defense, the U.S. economy and America's industrial base, and observed the 95th anniversary of the law's enactment in 1920.
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important milestone in maritime history.
"On June 5, 1920, the landmark Merchant Marine Act became law, establishing the importance of maintaining a strong domestic maritime fleet.
"That law, known as the Jones Act, was the anchor that allowed the United States to launch a highly trained and skilled group of mariners who can serve to protect our nation in times of national emergency. It supports our shipyard industrial base and preserves our capacity to defend our homeland, patrol the seas, and promote American jobs.
"Ninety-five years later, it's clear that the Jones Act has stood the test of time.
"General Paul J. Selva, the Commander of U.S. Transportation Command, recently said, 'I can stand before any group as a military leader and say without the contribution that the Jones Act brings to the support of our industry there is a direct threat to national defense, and I will not be bashful about saying it and I will not be silent.'
"I couldn't agree more.
"General Selva doesn't stand alone in defending the Jones Act from its critics.
"In fact, Congress passed one of the strongest statements of support for the Jones Act last year as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, recognizing that it promotes 'a strong domestic trade maritime industry, which supports the national security and economic vitality of the United States and the efficient operation of the United States transportation system.'
"Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleagues to maintain the Jones Act for a new century, fight for our domestic maritime industry, and make sure that high quality, American-made vessels are being piloted by American mariners."
Rep. Kilmer highlights importance of Jones Act, U.S. maritime industry
In a statement on the floor of the House of Representatives June 9, Congressman Derek Kilmer (D-WA) highlighted the importance of the Jones Act to national defense, the U.S. economy and America's industrial base, and observed the 95th anniversary of the law's enactment in 1920.
"Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important milestone in maritime history.
"On June 5, 1920, the landmark Merchant Marine Act became law, establishing the importance of maintaining a strong domestic maritime fleet.
"That law, known as the Jones Act, was the anchor that allowed the United States to launch a highly trained and skilled group of mariners who can serve to protect our nation in times of national emergency. It supports our shipyard industrial base and preserves our capacity to defend our homeland, patrol the seas, and promote American jobs.
"Ninety-five years later, it's clear that the Jones Act has stood the test of time.
"General Paul J. Selva, the Commander of U.S. Transportation Command, recently said, 'I can stand before any group as a military leader and say without the contribution that the Jones Act brings to the support of our industry there is a direct threat to national defense, and I will not be bashful about saying it and I will not be silent.'
"I couldn't agree more.
"General Selva doesn't stand alone in defending the Jones Act from its critics.
"In fact, Congress passed one of the strongest statements of support for the Jones Act last year as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, recognizing that it promotes 'a strong domestic trade maritime industry, which supports the national security and economic vitality of the United States and the efficient operation of the United States transportation system.'
"Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleagues to maintain the Jones Act for a new century, fight for our domestic maritime industry, and make sure that high quality, American-made vessels are being piloted by American mariners."