A Look At The Merchant Marine Act Of 1920: Is It Time For The U.S. To Change Course?

Abstract

Due to recent changes in global shipping, we investigate the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 – also known as the Jones Act. When constructed, our governing body decided that the Act was necessary for the country’s naval defenses and for proper growth of foreign and domestic commerce. The plan was for the fleet to be owned and operated privately by citizens of the United States. However, in today’s economic conditions some are wondering if the Jones Act is a liability to foreign commerce. In our work, we explore the advantages of naval defense and shipbuilding as well as the disadvantages on commerce and U.S. transportation infrastructure. To conclude, we offer opinions for policy changes to create a more level playing field for the U.S. to compete in global logistics.

Concepts and practices for transforming infrastructure from rigid to adaptable

“…In post-disaster situations, regulations may restrict recovery efforts and are difficult to adjust. The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, was temporarily waived following Hurricane Katrina, Hurricane Rita, Superstorm Sandy, and Hurricane Maria, but the delay in the waiving process was blamed for shortages of necessary goods in the affected areas (Carey, 2017;Cope, Woosley, & Cope, 2018). Unplanned temporary waivers present issues also in that the push for a waiver may threaten the original regulation.…”