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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Brian Babin (TX-36) released the following statement after speaking on the House floor today commending President Trump on not waiving the Jones Act. Babin’s office created a hypothetical image of a Chinese-flagged freighter navigating the Mississippi River under the St. Louis Gateway Arch to demonstrate what would happen if the Jones Act were waived or done away with (image attached).

“For the past 100 years, the Jones Act has brought strength and certainty to maritime commerce here in the United States,” said Babin. “It has protected the rights of American sailors, created and maintained American jobs, and has been one of the single largest factors in facilitating the strong American economy that we are enjoying. The Jones Act states that goods shipped between U.S. ports are to be built, owned, and operated by the citizens of the United States.

“Can you imagine a Chinese built vessel, flying the Chinese national flag, and operated by Chinese citizens traveling through the American heartland to deliver goods to our ports? Although this is a hypothetical situation, it could easily become a reality if the Jones Act is waived. Our national security, economic growth, and our ability to provide American jobs would be in jeopardy. Worst of all, waiving the Jones Act would allow these foreign-operated ships into our waterways and could be opening the door to espionage.

“We need the Jones Act, and I encourage those who want to repeal it to watch my speech and explain why the image that you see in the video would make for a better and stronger America.”

To watch speech, please click here.

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