China’s burgeoning fleets underscore the important of legislation that bolsters our own.
As we pass the 100th anniversary of the Jones Act, it is clear the legislation is vital to ensuring the American maritime industry is strong for 100 years more. Officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the law requires that ships carrying cargo between two U.S. points fly the U.S. flag, and be owned and built in the U.S., and be crewed by at least 75 percent U.S. citizens. Although many nations have such laws, known as “cabotage” laws, it is true that ours is among the most restrictive. However, this is necessary given the amount of support other maritime nations give to an industry rightly established as vital to their nation’s economic security and defense. These are the findings of the Navy League’s newest
report, “China’s Use of Maritime for Global Power Demands a Strong Commitment to American Maritime.”
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