HR 8996

This bill, the Jones Act Repeal Act, aims to eliminate the Jones Act, a set of regulations governing maritime transportation in the United States. The Jones Act currently requires that goods and passengers traveling between Puerto Rico and other U.S. ports be transported on vessels built in the U.S., owned primarily by U.S. citizens, and crewed largely by U.S. citizens. Supporters of the repeal argue that these requirements increase shipping costs and limit competition. The bill seeks to remove these restrictions, potentially leading to lower prices for consumers and increased shipping options.