US Navy opposes repeal of the Jones Act

In response to anti-Jones Act legislation introduced earlier this year, the US Navy said, “For decades, US merchant mariners have provided essential support for the US Navy during times of war and national crisis. Repealing the Jones Act would remove that support at a time when we are fighting two wars and facing a continuing threat from international terrorism”.

The Jones Act establishes a US merchant marine of skilled seafarers and US-flagged ships essential for maintaining a strong commercial maritime industry to a maritime nation [like] the US and capable of serving as a naval and military auxiliary in times of war or national emergency.

“As a maritime nation, the US depends not only on a strong Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard, it also requires a strong commercial maritime industry [and] the Jones Act must be maintained,” said Navy League National President Daniel Branch Jr.