Biden supports Jones Act shipping

By Michael McGrady, Maritime Direct Americas Correspondent

Domestic shipping in the United States just received a significant boost from the Biden White House. Here’s why.

The Jones Act is a US shipping regulation that was signed into law in 1920. 

The act requires goods that are shipped from one American port to another to be transported on a US-built vessel that is US-owned, US-flagged, and crewed by US citizens and permanently residing noncitizens.

“Buy American”

President Joe Biden signed a brand new executive order affirming his administration’s support for the Jones Act. 

“The President will continue to be a strong advocate for the Jones Act and its mandate that only US-flag vessels carry cargo between US ports, which supports American production and America’s workers,” reads a statement issued by the White House on January 25.

“With the signing of the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act, the Jones Act has also been affirmed as an opportunity to invest in America’s workers as we build offshore renewable energy, in line with the President’s goals to build our clean energy future here in America,” adds the statement.

Industry support

The Maritime Executive reports that industry leaders are grateful for the administration’s “Buy America” executive order.

For instance, the American Maritime Partnership — a domestic industry group — thanked the president for the executive order on its official social media accounts. Partnership president Mike Roberts also applauded the president’s support for the Jones Act.

“With this order, American maritime will have greater confidence for the next several years to make investments in American vessels and maritime infrastructure while furthering environmental stewardship, efficiency and support of our homeland and national security objectives,” Roberts said.

Matthew Paxton, president of the Shipbuilders Council of America, also voiced his support.

“Essential national and domestic security industries like the US shipyard sector, and the maritime defense industrial base, will grow stronger because of the actions taken today, ensuring the future of America is made in America,” he said. 

Political support

With the domestic industry’s support, the executive order is backed by the Department of Transportation and secretary of transportation designee Pete Buttigieg. 

“The Department of Transportation is a strong supporter of Buy American, and we applaud President Biden for taking bold action today to ensure our future is made in America — and by American workers,” notes a statement released on behalf of the entire Department of Transportation. 

“We will also ensure that the President’s strong support of the Jones Act is realized so that only US-flag vessels carry cargo between US ports.”