Jones Act Amendment Headed Off

Earlier this year, Senator Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) reintroduced a Jones Act reform bill. The legislation was essentially the same as the bill Sen. Brownback introduced in the last Congress. Billed as a change only in the U.S.-build requirement of the Jones Act, an analysis by the Maritime Cabotage Task Force showed the legislation would also alter the U.S. ownership requirements of the Jones Act. Prior to a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee markup of authorization legislation for the Maritime Administration, Sen. Brownback signaled his intention to offer a Jones Act amendment. Opposition to the amendment among members of the committee became apparent. As a result, Senator Brownback faced an overwhelming negative vote and ultimately withdrew his amendment, which presumably would have been similar to the bill he had introduced. He did make a statement at the markup, however, saying the Jones Act restricts the flow of agricultural commodities and he would work to reform it. Committee Chairman John McCain (R-Ariz.) agreed with the need for reform, and went on to call the Jones Act anti-competitive and protectionist. Senator Ernest Hollings (D-S.C.) came to the defense of the Jones Act, citing its importance to national security and calling the Jones Act the linchpin in maintaining the U.S. maritime fleet.