Safeguarding the Jones Act: Securing  America's Maritime Future

Safeguarding the Jones Act: Securing  America's Maritime Future

The Jones Act is more than a maritime law — it's a cornerstone of America’s national, economic, and homeland security. For over a century, this vital legislation has supported  American jobs, ensured a robust shipbuilding industry, and safeguarded our domestic supply chain. Today, the Jones Act is more important than ever.

The Jones Act is more than a maritime law — it's a cornerstone of America’s national, economic, and homeland security. For over a century, this vital legislation has supported  American jobs, ensured a robust shipbuilding industry, and safeguarded our domestic supply chain. Today, the Jones Act is more important than ever.

Issues & Advocacy

What is the Jones Act?

The Jones Act requires that vessels transporting cargo between U.S. ports be U.S. built and owned, and crewed by American mariners. It is the backbone of the U.S. maritime industry, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and maintaining our ability to move cargo safely and securely within our borders.

Why the Jones Act Matters

Economic Security

The Jones Act supports nearly 650,000 American jobs and contributes over $150 billion annually to the U.S. economy. It sustains a domestic fleet and maritime industrial base that drives innovation, supports skilled labor, and keeps investment here at home.

National Security

In times of crisis, the U.S. military relies on commercial Jones Act vessels and trained U.S.  merchant mariners to transport equipment and supplies. Without a strong domestic fleet, America would be forced to depend on foreign-flagged vessels for logistical support — a dangerous risk to national defense.

Homeland Security

The Jones Act ensures that cargo moving between American ports is carried on vessels under U.S. control, and that it’s American mariners out there serving as “eyes and ears” in support of the Coast Guard’s homeland security mission, minimizing potential threats on our waterways.

Crisis Response & Resilience

American mariners and shipbuilders are essential to sustaining critical maritime capabilities and navigating emergencies. The Jones Act strengthens our ability to respond to natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical instability, by keeping essential shipping capacity under U.S. control.

The Cost of Weakening the Jones Act

Weakening or repealing the Jones Act would threaten American jobs, sovereignty and security. It would mean:

  • Loss of American jobs to foreign operators with lower safety, labor, and environmental standards
  • Dependence on foreign vessels and countries for critical domestic shipping
  • Increased homeland security threats on our waterways and maritime borders.

Jones Act Myths Debunked

A Strong Jones Act is a Strong America

The Jones Act ensures America retains the maritime workforce, assets, and infrastructure needed to remain independent and secure. Without it, we risk becoming vulnerable to external threats to our supply chain, national defense, and homeland security.