Political Quotes

“I reluctantly rise to object to the amendment offered by the gentleman from Puerto Rico, which would undermine the Jones Act. The amendment would allow foreign-flagged, foreign-built, foreign- owned, and foreign-manned vessels over 100 gross tons to carry passengers within Puerto Rico. As such, this waiver would disadvantage U.S. maritime operators and U.S. seafarers who might otherwise provide such services. In its present form, we cannot support the amendment. I commend the gentleman from Puerto Rico for his sincere efforts to expand maritime commerce in Puerto Rico, but I cannot support the amendment he has offered today. With that, I reserve the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The gentleman from Puerto Rico has 1 minute remaining, and the gentleman from Washington has 4\1/2\ minutes remaining. The gentleman from Washington has the right to close.”