The debate surrounding the Jones Act took a prominent place during a live recording of Bloomberg’s “Odd Lots” podcast at The Miracle Theatre, Washington, D.C.’s oldest movie theater. Hosted by analysts Joe Weisenthal and Tracy Alloway, the podcast’s first live event in the nation’s capital drew an audience with interests in America’s maritime workforce.
Sara Fuentes, Vice President for Government Affairs at the Transportation Institute, defended the Jones Act, emphasizing its impact on American economic security, national security, and homeland security. Fuentes pointed out that the act supports 650,000 jobs in the U.S., promotes self-sufficiency in Hawaii and Puerto Rico, and sustains the nation’s shipbuilding industry. She remarked, “It’s that stability in the marketplace, in knowing everybody is playing by the same set of rules, knowing that shipment will show up, and that really matters.”
Fuentes also highlighted China’s maritime strategies, stating, “The People’s Republic of China has made a strategic decision to over-invest in its own maritime capability. They are deliberately undermining the prices.” She argued that without the Jones Act, U.S. shipbuilders could not compete against China’s state-supported pricing tactics.
In contrast, Colin Grabow from the Cato Institute, an entity identified in a FARA filing as being involved in an EU-led campaign against the Jones Act, contested its necessity. He cited various studies and statements, including the assertion that U.S. shipbuilding has been “uncompetitive since the Civil War.” Shipping analyst John D. McCown challenged this view, noting that U.S.-built ships during WWII constituted a major part of the world’s postwar tonnage.
Grabow faced difficulties addressing arguments from entities such as the Navy League and Lexington Institute, which cautioned against potential risks from unvetted mariners and untracked ships. Despite differing views, support for the Jones Act and its workforce remains strong on Capitol Hill and nationwide.
“The Jones Act is popular. It’s been popular with Republicans. It’s been popular with Democrats. It’s popular across administrations. It’s also really popular with the United States military,” Fuentes affirmed.
The discussion underscored the importance of the Jones Act in securing America’s maritime supply chain, economy, and national sovereignty.
