Rep. Garamendi Statement on Jones Act Waiver

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman John Garamendi (CA-08) issued the following statement in response to the Trump administration announcing they are granting a Jones Act waiver in a misguided attempt to address the high cost of gasoline amidst Trump's war in Iran:

"Let's be clear: gas prices are sky high because the cost of oil is sky high. The cost has little to nothing to do with domestic shipping costs and has everything to do with Trump's war of choice in Iran.

"Today's announcement of a Jones Act waiver is the opposite of Trump's "America First" message and his stated policy goals. Trump is selling out American mariners in a desperate ploy to solve a problem he created. Increasing our reliance on foreign vessels will only damage our maritime industrial base and weaken our national defense.

"This comes just a month after the President publicly committed in his Maritime Action Plan (MAP) to invest in American ships, shipyards, and maritime workers. A Jones Act waiver will create an unequal playing field putting international ships above American vessels. Where American ships must abide by international labor and safety standards, foreign vessels do not.

"The president is right, we need to lower energy costs for Americans, however, the only way to do that is to end his war with Iran."

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