Obama backs Jones Act, industry remains vigilant

Obama backs Jones Act, industry remains vigilant    During last year's presidential campaign, Democratic candidate Barack Obama affirmed to the U.S. maritime industry that 'America needs a strong and vibrant U.S.-flag merchant marine ' That is why you ' can continue to count on me to support the Jones Act.'
   Even with this pre-election assurance from now President Obama, the Maritime Cabotage Task Force said it remains vigilant in protecting the Jones Act's statutory requirements.
   The task force highlighted in its 2008 annual report released this week similar promises from the former Bush administration. However, in 2005, in response to Hurricane Katrina, the Bush administration issued the first-ever blanket waiver of the Jones Act. While the task force did not attempt to block the temporary waiver, it did fervently oppose subsequent waiver requests.
   'Even in the final year of the Bush presidency, the MCTF found itself fighting similar waiver requests — this time successfully,' the task force said. 'The waivers were a reminder to the MCTF of the need for vigilance and constant education even in a generally supportive administration. It is a lesson the MCTF will always remember.'
   In 2008, the task force lobbied for the enactment of a new statutory requirement that the Maritime Administration be consulted prior to any decision to waive the Jones Act. The provision was included in the fiscal year 2009 National Defense Authorization Act. The task force also worked with members of Congress and White House officials to prevent Jones Act waivers after Hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
   The task force said it will seek continued congressional support for the Jones Act, and work closely with the new Capitol Hill committee leadership, specifically Sen. Jay Rockfeller, D-W.Va., chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee; Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; and Rep. Ike Skelton, D-Mo., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.
   'The MCTF is already working to cultivate relationships with new members of Congress to educate them on the importance of the U.S. maritime industry and the Jones Act,' said Philip Grill, chairman of the task force, in a statement.
   The task force was formed in 1995 to promote the U.S.-flag fleet engaged in domestic waterborne commerce. Today, its ranks include more than 400 members, representing vessel owners and operators, shipboard and landside labor groups, shipbuilders and repair yards, marine equipment manufacturers and vendors, trade associations, dredging and marine construction contractors, pro-defense groups and companies in other transportation modes. ' Chris Gillis