Jones Act

The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is a United States federal law that requires goods shipped between U.S. ports to be carried on U.S.-flagged vessels built, owned, and crewed by Americans. The law was enacted in an effort to protect the U.S. maritime industry from foreign competition and to ensure that the United States had a strong merchant marine in times of war.

The Jones Act has been controversial since its passage. Critics argue that it is protectionist and that it raises the cost of goods shipped between U.S. ports. Supporters argue that the law is necessary to protect the U.S. maritime industry and to ensure that the United States has a strong merchant marine.

The Jones Act has a number of provisions. First, it requires that goods shipped between U.S. ports be carried on U.S.-flagged vessels. Second, it requires that U.S.-flagged vessels be built, owned, and crewed by Americans. Third, it sets minimum wages for U.S. merchant mariners.

The Jones Act has been a source of controversy since its passage. Critics argue that it is protectionist and that it raises the cost of goods shipped between U.S. ports. Supporters argue that the law is necessary to protect the U.S. maritime industry and to ensure that the United States has a strong merchant marine.

The Jones Act has had a significant impact on the U.S. maritime industry. The law has helped to create a large and efficient U.S. merchant marine. However, the law has also raised the cost of goods shipped between U.S. ports.

The Jones Act is a complex law with a number of provisions. The law has been controversial since its passage and it continues to be debated today.