Political Quotes

“U.S. ownership, manning, and construction of vessels serving the Jones Act trade has provided the Department of Defense with a pool of trained mariners, vessels, and the industrial capability to respond in time to national defense emergencies. For example, the very shipyards that build and repair Jones Act vessels were called upon to activate military reserve ships during Operation Desert Storm/Desert Shield, and it was the trained mariners who operate Jones Act vessels in peacetime who were called upon to crew these military ships once activated. The Jones Act contributes to the maintenance of this skilled work force and defense industrial capability. Because of the importance of the Jones Act to our national security, the House adopted an amendment specifically prohibiting the imposition of trade countermeasures against U.S. shipbuilders and other exporters for Jones Act ship construction. This amendment is essential to our Nation's defense readiness.”