[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 91 (Tuesday, June 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATING THE 95TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JONES ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2015

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an important 
milestone in maritime history.
  On June 5, 1920, the landmark Merchant Marine Act became law, 
establishing the importance of maintaining a strong domestic maritime 
fleet.
  That law, known as the Jones Act, was the anchor that allowed the 
United States to launch a highly trained and skilled group of mariners 
who can serve to protect our nation in times of national emergency. It 
supports our shipyard industrial base and preserves our capacity to 
defend our homeland, patrol the seas, and promote American jobs.
  Ninety-five years later, it's clear that the Jones Act has stood the 
test of time.
  General Paul J. Selva, the Commander of U.S. Transportation Command, 
recently said, ``I can stand before any group as a military leader and 
say without the contribution that the Jones Act brings to the support 
of our industry there is a direct threat to national defense, and I 
will not be bashful about saying it and I will not be silent.''
  I couldn't agree more.
  General Selva doesn't stand alone in defending the Jones Act from its 
critics.
  In fact, Congress passed one of the strongest statements of support 
for the Jones Act last year as part of the National Defense 
Authorization Act, recognizing that it promotes ``a strong domestic 
trade maritime industry, which supports the national security and 
economic vitality of the United States and the efficient operation of 
the United States transportation system.''
  Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleagues to maintain 
the Jones Act for a new century, fight for our domestic maritime 
industry, and make sure that high quality, American-made vessels are 
being piloted by American mariners.

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