National Security Importance Of Jones Act Recognized On Maritime Day
The American Maritime Partnership, the voice of the domestic maritime industry, celebrated National Maritime Day by recognizing the critical importance of the Jones Act for the economic and national security benefits the 650,000 men and women of American maritime deliver to the nation.
May 22 was declared National Maritime Day in 1933 to honor the SS Savannah’s departure from Georgia to England in 1819 to become the first successful steam-powered ship to successfully cross any ocean. Since the SS Savannah’s ocean voyage, the American maritime industry has served as a critical economic engine in the United States and an essential partner with U.S. armed forces in local and global waterways.
“This National Maritime Day, we are reminded that America, from sea to shining sea, needs a strong domestic maritime industry amid continuing economic challenges and growing national security threats,” said Ku’uhaku Park, president of the American Maritime Partnership. “Today is a day to thank our mariners and maritime workers for their sacrifices during wars, the pandemic and other national emergencies. Though America is increasingly divided, there is one thing everyone can agree on–we cannot rely on China and Russia to build, own and crew our ships. The Jones Act fleet has served the country time and again, and we are honored to represent an industry that serves such a vital economic purpose in securing hundreds of thousands of jobs, while proving an asset to America’s national security and resilience.”
The maritime industry in the United States is supported by the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, popularly known as the Jones Act – a foundational domestic and national security law that requires that the transportation of cargo between all U.S. points be carried by American-built, American-crewed and American-owned vessels.
Political figures from every area of the country and all sides of the political spectrum joined in praising and defending the Jones Act. President Joe Biden said, “My administration remains steadfast in its support of the Merchant Marine as well as the Jones Act, which ensures American workers see the benefits of our domestic maritime industry.” U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas said, “This National Maritime Day, I want to recognize the more than 56,000 Texans who work in our thriving maritime industry. Texas’ domestic maritime industry accounts for more than $14 billion in economic output while playing a vital role in protecting our national security interests.”
“Maritime infrastructure plays a significant role in south Louisiana’s economy,” said U.S. Rep. Clay Higgins (R-La.). “Our district is a testament to the importance of the maritime industry in preserving our heritage, bolstering our national security and supporting thousands of good-paying American jobs. The Jones Act ensures a skilled maritime workforce that stands ready to support our national defense and commerce by providing a strong domestic shipbuilding industry and a reliable skilled workforce.”
Mike Stevens, CEO of the Navy League of the United States, said, “This National Maritime Day is not just a day to reflect on the legacy of those who have supported our military and moved the goods for every American. This year, and in the face of the threats we face, we should renew our commitment to ensuring a maritime capacity that ensures American strength and resilience.”
