The American Maritime Partnership (AMP) has formally urged the White House to permit the temporary Jones Act waiver to expire on its scheduled date of November 15, emphasizing that the prolonged suspension risks exacerbating long-term vulnerabilities in the U.S. maritime supply chain.
Concerns Over Extended Waiver
AMP’s statement highlights that the near eight-month exemption—granted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic—has already disrupted domestic shipping markets. The organization warns that further delays could undermine the competitiveness of U.S.-flagged vessels and the broader maritime workforce.
Key Industry Stakes
Industry leaders argue that the waiver’s extension has allowed foreign-flagged carriers to encroach on traditional Jones Act routes, threatening the viability of American-crewed ships and related jobs. The AMP stresses that a return to full compliance with the Act is critical to restoring balance and ensuring resilience in critical sectors like energy, agriculture, and defense logistics.
Call to Action
The partnership urges the administration to uphold the original timeline, asserting that any further waivers would send a destabilizing signal to the maritime sector. AMP’s CEO has reiterated that the Jones Act remains a cornerstone of national maritime security and economic sovereignty, provided it is enforced consistently.