Merchant Marine Act of 1920

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The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 is a United States federal statute that provides for the promotion and maintenance of the American merchant marine. Among other purposes, the law regulates maritime commerce in U.S. waters and between U.S. ports. Section 27 of the Merchant Marine Act is known as the Jones Act and deals with cabotage (coastwise trade). It requires that all goods transported by water between U.S. ports be carried on ships that have been constructed in the United States, fly the U.S. flag, are owned by U.S. citizens, and are crewed by U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The act was introduced by U.S. Senator Wesley Jones. The law also defines certain seamen's rights. The Merchant Marine Act of 1920 has been revised a number of times; the most recent revision in 2006 included recodification in the U.S. Code. Many economists and other experts have argued for its repeal. Military and Department of Commerce officials have spoken in favor of the law on protectionist grounds. According...

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