Mississippi Gulf News

Last week, Congressmen Mike Ezell of Mississippi and Salud Carbajal of California highlighted bipartisan support for the Jones Act in a piece for The Washington Times, underscoring its importance in bolstering the United States' shipbuilding industry, national security, and maritime workforce.

In their article, both congressmen assert: "The Jones Act is quite literally the bedrock and foundation of our nation’s commercial shipbuilding industrial base, and we proudly support it."

The Jones Act mandates that goods transported between U.S. ports should be carried on vessels that are American-built, owned, and crewed, thus protecting the economy and national security. Ezell and Carbajal reaffirm their commitment to defending this law against any attempts to weaken it.

They also note, "The Jones Act safeguards American jobs," highlighting its role in supporting approximately 650,000 jobs in the maritime sector. Without this law, many of those jobs might be outsourced, negatively impacting American workers and the economy.

The congressmen emphasize the act's significance for national security, providing necessary vessels and workforce support for the military and emergencies. They warn against weakening this industry, which could compromise sovereignty and security, adding, "Keeping our shipping lanes under United States control isn’t just an economic issue—it’s a matter of national security."

Additionally, the Jones Act's role in disaster response and ensuring a stable supply chain is crucial, according to Ezell and Carbajal. During disasters, Jones Act-compliant vessels provide swift delivery of essential supplies. "Keeping our fleet in American hands guarantees reliable and immediate access to critical resources when disasters occur," they state.

The piece underscores the broader implications of the act: "This law is not just about protecting one industry—it ensures America remains a maritime power, capable of defending itself and maintaining economic stability."

Ezell and Carbajal, as leaders of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, emphasize their dedication to policies that safeguard American workers and reinforce economic stability through the Jones Act. The congressmen conclude, "Republicans and Democrats Agree: We must defend the Jones Act. America’s future depends on it."