NEFI has joined a coalition of 14 national trade associations in urging Congressional leadership to pursue meaningful reform and modernization of the Jones Act. The letter is signed by one of the broadest and most diverse coalitions ever assembled on the issue, representing industries spanning energy, agriculture, the food supply chain, and the restaurant sector.

The Jones Act, passed in 1920, requires that goods shipped between U.S. ports be carried on American-built, American-crewed vessels, a requirement that critics say sharply raises shipping costs and limits capacity, particularly during supply disruptions.

The letter comes at a pivotal moment. The Trump administration initially waived the Jones Act on March 18 for 60 days to ease energy costs as the conflict with Iran disrupted roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply. Last Friday, the administration extended that waiver for an additional 90 days, underscoring the real economic burdens the law places on American businesses, consumers, and energy supply chains.

The coalition argues that the current waivers, while welcome, are not a substitute for a durable legislative solution. Reform is needed to ensure that domestic commerce and energy delivery remain reliable and affordable beyond the current emergency.

For more information contact NEFI Manager of Government Affairs Liam Dotson at liam.dotson@nefi.com.

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