[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 104 (Thursday, June 4, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S2731]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE JONES ACT 100TH ANNIVERSARY

 Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, as the American people 
continue to show great strength and perseverance during this 
coronavirus crisis, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight 
those very American ideals by commemorating the 100th anniversary of 
the Jones Act.
  The Jones Act has enhanced American prosperity and national security 
ever since its enactment on June 5, 1920. It puts America first over 
subsidized foreign shipbuilders and foreign vessel operators that do 
not pay U.S. taxes or comply with U.S. regulations. It continues to 
preserve our role as the world's leader in commerce and thousands of 
precious jobs for our American citizens. When it comes to the Jones 
Act, there is an overwhelming sense of pride from the American people, 
especially from Mississippians.
  Mississippi has a long and storied shipbuilding tradition of which we 
are very proud. Mississippi is home to multiple shipyards that continue 
to grow domestic jobs exponentially, increase overall positive economic 
impact, and produce a multitude of vessels to fortify national security 
and commerce. With more than 13,000 domestic maritime jobs, Mississippi 
ranks 15th in the Nation for jobs related to the domestic maritime 
industry.
  In addition, Mississippi ranks second nationwide in per capita 
shipyard jobs, meaning that one out of every 75 Mississippians has a 
job directly or indirectly related to the shipyard industry. When 
looking at the total economic impact from domestic maritime activity, 
Mississippi accounts for more than $3 billion annually. It is 
sufficient to say Mississippi is one of many States that continues to 
reap and sow the rewards of the Jones Act.
  Mr. President, there are more than 40,000 vessels in America's 
domestic fleet, which is one of the largest in the world. The domestic 
maritime industry accounts for 648,220 jobs, $41.6 billion in labor 
compensation, $154.8 billion in economic output, $72.4 billion in value 
added, and $16.8 billion in taxes.
  The Jones Act is an integral part of our Nation's success, and I am 
proud to recognize its longstanding contributions to our Nation and to 
advocate for its continued influence in the decades to come.

                          ____________________