Senator John McCain found little support for his recent proposal to repeal parts of the Jones Act. Sen. McCain objected to a part of the Jones Act, which requires ships working in the U.S. and in U.S. ports to be completely American-made.
In his statement to the Senate, Sen. McCain said, “The Jones Act may have had some rationale back in the 1920s when it was enacted. But today, it serves only to raise shipping costs, making U.S. farmers and businesses less competitive in the global marketplace and increasing costs for American consumers.”
Sen. McCain cited a 2002 study which stated the repeal of the Jones Act would lower shipping costs. However, critics of this proposal say that repealing any part of the Jones Act would put thousands of shipbuilding, seafaring, and supply-chain jobs in in the U.S. in jeopardy.
Though the proposal ultimately was struck down in the Senate, some warn that it could be revived at a later date.
We here at the Lambert Firm support the Jones Act, as it allows seamen who have been injured while on the job at sea to bring a personal injury suit against their negligent employers. This is an important protection for maritime employees.
Lambert Zainey is experienced in fighting for victims of maritime injuries, including those injuries covered by the Jones Act. If you or someone you know has suffered from a maritime injury, contact Lambert Zainey today for a free case evaluation.