The decision to waive the Jones Act is a serious mistake that puts American jobs, economic security, and national security at risk.
For more than a century, the Jones Act has been a cornerstone of U.S. policy—supporting over 500,000 American jobs in shipbuilding, maritime transportation, and related industries. Just as importantly, it ensures the United States maintains a domestic fleet and skilled workforce capable of supporting our military and responding to national emergencies.
We already have a significantly reduced U.S.-flagged fleet. Further weakening the Jones Act only accelerates that decline. Once that capacity is lost, it cannot be quickly rebuilt—and our nation becomes increasingly dependent on foreign vessels and foreign labor to move critical goods.
That is not just bad economic policy—it is a direct threat to our national security.
Waiving the Jones Act, even temporarily, does nothing to address the real drivers of rising costs or supply chain challenges. Instead, it undermines American workers and opens the door for foreign competitors to take work that should be done by U.S. mariners and shipbuilders.
This waiver will do more harm than good. It weakens our industrial base, erodes our maritime readiness, and sends the wrong signal at a time when we should be investing in American capacity—not outsourcing it.
The Metal Trades Department stands in unequivocal support of the Jones Act. We call on policymakers to reverse this decision and recommit to policies that strengthen our workforce, rebuild our maritime industry, and protect our nation’s economic and national security.
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