Lawmakers advocate for White House to uphold the Jones Act

The following article was posted May 1 by the office of Congressman Steve Scalise (R-LA) following a meeting between President Trump and several Republican lawmakers to address recent White House discussions regarding the possibility of waiving the Jones Act. After the meeting, Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) told reporters the President said he would oppose changes to or waivers of the Jones Act.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - House Republican Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement regarding today's meeting with President Donald Trump on the Jones Act. The Jones Act is a national security statute enacted to prevent U.S. dependence on foreign vessels and preserve a ready reserve force for times of war. Specifically, this law states that the transportation of merchandise between U.S. points is reserved for U.S.-built, owned, and documented vessels.

"The Jones Act is a critical piece of America's national security, and protects our waterways from unknown foreign threats. At our meeting today with President Trump, we underscored the importance the Jones Act plays in America's national security, as well as our economic security. Ensuring the U.S. has a strong maritime industry is important for American workers, and the country's national security."