The Jones Act regulates trade between the cities of the United States. The law requires goods to be shipped between U.S. ports must be carried exclusively by vessels owned and operated by Americans. The restriction is preventing the fast recovery of the island from the disaster.
Waiver of Jones Act for Puerto Rico will be in effect for 10 days
Reuters/Alvin Baez
On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders announced the federal government’s decision to waive the Jones Act on Twitter. She said Pres. Donald Trump authorized the waiver in response to the request of Gov. Rosselló.
Separately, the DHS announced that Acting Sec. Elaine Duke approved a waiver of the Jones Act for Puerto Rico.
According to the agency, it recognizes the severe impacts of Hurricanes Irma and Maria to the U.S. territory. The decision to waive the law is in the interest of national defense.
