1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21566July 8, 2003The Jones Act: An OverviewJohn F. FrittelliAnalyst in TransportationResources, Science, and Industry DivisionSummaryThe Jones Act is a perennial issue in Congress.Th
2、e Act requires that allwaterborne shipping between points in the United States be carried by vessels built inthe United States and owned and operated byAmericans. The purpose of the Act is toensurethat thenationhas asufficient merchant marineand shipbuildingbaseto protectthe nations defense and comm
3、ercial interests. Critics claim that the Act does notaccomplishthisgoalandfurthermoreraisesshippingcosts,therebymakingU.S.farmersand manufacturers less competitive. Jones Act supporters claim that the Act is neededto foster a domestic shipbuilding base that is vital for national security.Despiteecon
4、omic arguments against the Jones Act, efforts to repeal the Act have not beensuccessful. This report will not be updated.BackgroundTheJonesAct,section27oftheMerchantMarineActof1920(46U.S.C.883), haslongbeenregardedasacornerstoneofU.S.maritimepolicy. Thepolicyhasbeenshapedby the concomitant goals of
