As the voice of the largest maritime labor union for U.S. Coast Guard licensed officers, American Maritime Officers vehemently disagrees with the Trump Administration’s decision to extend the already-unprecedented waiver of the nation’s chief cabotage law, the Jones Act.
The proud and professional men and women of the U.S. Merchant Marine have always answered the call to support this nation in peace and in war and for more than 100 years, the Jones Act has supported them, guaranteeing mariners will have cargo, ships and the opportunity to practice their vital craft that is pivotal to America’s economic and national security. Make no mistake, any weakening of the Jones Act is hurting not only the merchant marine, but also the country’s national security infrastructure and economic vitality.
At a time when the war for the world’s economic power will be determined on the seas, taking away critical cargo that would normally go on U.S. bottoms diminishes our great nation’s goals both domestically and abroad. We at AMO implore the Trump Administration to end this ineffective and unnecessary waiver and instead institute policies to increase cargo opportunities, incentivize commercial shippers to use the U.S.-flag fleet and enhance support for our U.S. Merchant Marine.
Captain Willie Barrere
National President
American Maritime Officers