, Columnist
Jones Act Descended From Centuries of Lazy Protectionism
The cabotage laws straining Puerto Rico and many other places around the world are rooted in a fear of competition.
Get in line.
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Repealing the so-called Jones Act, which is slowing desperately needed aid to Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, is obviously the right thing to do. But the growing movement in Congress to scrap it -- including Republican Senators John McCain and Mike Lee -- should know that they’re entering treacherous legislative waters.
Formally known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, the law stipulates that all goods entering and leaving Puerto Rico that have originated from other American ports (or are destined for American ports) must be carried aboard ships built, crewed, and registered in the U.S. Ever since, the island’s economy has strained under the weight of expensive imports.