December 18 - The United States Congress has enacted the strongest statement of support for the Jones Act and the American domestic maritime industry since the Merchant Maritime Act of 1936.

The measure was included as part of the National Defense Authorization Act, which noted that the national security benefits of the domestic maritime industry and the Jones Act are "unquestioned."

The bill states that the Jones Act and the American domestic maritime industry are vital to "the national security and economic vitality of the United States and the efficient operation of the United States transportation system."

The legislation has been approved by the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate, and is expected to be signed into law by the President Obama.

The Congressional statement of support for the Jones Act specifically states that "the national security benefits of the domestic maritime industry are unquestioned as the Department of Defense depends on United States domestic trades' fleet of containerships, ro-ro ships, and product tankers to carry military cargoes."

The full text of the National Defense Authorization Bill's statement of support for the American domestic maritime industry can be read here: https://www.congress.gov/113/bills/hr3979/BILLS-113hr3979eah.pdf#page=1542

www.congress.gov

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