In The News

Republicans and Democrats agree: We must defend the Jones Act

By: Mike Ezell and Salud Carbajal – March 26, 2025

As leaders of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, we are committed to fostering a strong and reliable American maritime base that supports our national defense and strengthens our economy. The Jones Act a century-old law that remains as crucial today as when it was enacted in 1920 requires that goods transported between two points in the U.S. be carried on American-built, American-owned, and American-crewed ships. The Jones Act is quite literally the bedrock and foundation of our nation’s commercial shipbuilding industrial base, and we proudly support it.

While we acknowledge the Jones Act has its detractors, the reality is that the law supports sustainable jobs, strengthens our national security, and safeguards our economy from foreign influence.

First, the Jones Act safeguards American jobs. The maritime industry supports nearly 650,000 jobs nationwide, providing stable, well-paying work for shipbuilders, mariners, dockworkers, and others. Without the Jones Act, these jobs would be outsourced to foreign shipyards and foreign mariners, harming American workers and weakening our economy.

Additionally, the Jones Act is critical to national security. A strong domestic maritime industry ensures we have the ships and workforce necessary to support our military and respond to national emergencies. The Jones Act helps maintain domestic shipyards and ship repair facilities, keeping our country from being reliant on foreign yards to build, repair, and maintain our military and merchant marine vessels. These vessels provide a strategic capability to the United States military during conflict allowing the expeditious transport of troops and supplies anywhere in the world.

Our nation’s strategic sealift capabilities depend on a robust commercial fleet to maintain readiness in times of war or crisis. If we further weaken our maritime industry, we risk compromising our sovereignty and security. Keeping our shipping lanes under United States control isn’t just an economic issue it’s a matter of national security.

The Jones Act also plays a key role in disaster response and recovery. When hurricanes or other natural disasters strike, Jones Act-compliant vessels deliver emergency supplies quickly and efficiently. Without a strong domestic fleet, we would be forced to rely on foreign carriers, who may not prioritize American communities in crisis. Keeping our fleet in American hands guarantees reliable and immediate access to critical resources when disasters occur.

Finally, the Jones Act ensures we have a stable supply chain. In 2024, the U.S. imported and exported $7.3 trillion in goods. The Jones Act plays a vital role in keeping our domestic maritime supply chain that American farmer’s and businesses rely on under American control.

This law is not just about protecting one industry; rather, it ensures America remains a maritime power, capable of defending itself and maintaining economic stability. On the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, we are focused on policies that protect American workers, strengthen national security, and bolster our economy.

Supporting the Jones Act is one of the best ways to achieve those goals, and we stand with the hardworking men and women of our maritime industry to defend it. The long-term benefits of this policy go beyond creating jobs it is a pillar of American strength and resilience.

Republicans and Democrats Agree: We must defend the Jones Act. America’s future depends on it.

Rep. Mike Ezell represents Mississippi’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes the Mississippi Gulf Coast and parts of the Pine Belt. He serves as Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he works to strengthen national security, support maritime industries, and enhance coastal resilience. Before his election to Congress, Ezell dedicated more than 40 years to law enforcement, culminating in his role as Sheriff of Jackson County. Rep. Salud Carbajal represents California’s 24th Congressional District, encompassing Santa Barbara County and portions of San Luis Obispo County and Ventura County. He has served as the top Democrat on the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Committee since 2021. Prior to representing the Central Coast in Congress, he served for 12 years as Santa Barbara County Supervisor and 8 years in the United States Marine Corps Reserve.