Closing Jones Act Loopholes: Protecting US Maritime Jobs and Wages Offshore.
This bill strictly enforces the Jones Act, requiring that maritime transport between US points, including offshore energy sites, must be conducted by US-qualified vessels. This action aims to secure more jobs for American mariners and shipyard workers and mandates that foreign-owned offshore facilities pay prevailing wages to their crews. The legislation also increases transparency regarding penalties imposed on foreign vessels violating these rules.
Key points
Eliminates regulatory loopholes that previously allowed foreign vessels to transport goods and support energy operations on the Outer Continental Shelf.
Foreign-owned offshore facilities must now pay prevailing wages (Davis-Bacon standards) to their workers, protecting US labor standards.
US maritime businesses and unions gain the right to challenge Customs rulings that grant exemptions to foreign vessels.
Expired
Citizen Poll