Waive the Jones Act for Puerto Rico to Help Rebuild its Infrastructure and Economy
Change.org
The Jones act of 1920 prevents foreign ships to carry cargo between Puerto Rico and the mainland U.S. The existing waiver expired on Sept. 22. Follow the link on The Grito to sign a petition for a new waiver so Puerto Ricans can get the supplies they need NOW.
Everyone has seen the unprecedented devastation in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The entire island is without power and thousands of Americans may die. Many have asked how they can help. This petition focuses on cutting through bureaucracy that could cost lives and add to the suffering of millions of Americans in Puerto Rico.
The Jones Act (Merchant Marine Act 1920, 46 U.S.C. § 883) prevents foreign ships from carrying cargo between the US mainland and noncontiguous parts of the US like Puerto Rico. Foreign ships can’t stop in Puerto Rico to offload goods. Instead, goods are dropped off on the mainland and brought to the island on US flag ships. This makes everything more expensive, and in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria, could actually cost lives. The Department of Homeland Security extended a waiver of the Jones Act to relieve PR, but the waiver expired last night on September 22, 2017.
