Noncontiguous states and territories are disproportionally harmed by the Jones Act’s restrictions on shipping competition. Rooted in 18th-century protectionism, the law significantly increases the cost of water transportation for these shipping-dependent parts of the country when trading with each other and the US mainland. Beyond these economic costs, the Jones Act has also proven to be ineffective in meeting the country’s national security needs amidst a collapse in shipbuilding, a declining fleet, and a shortage of mariners. There is a growing and bipartisan recognition among policymakers that an overhaul of US maritime policy is sorely needed to meet the country’s economic and national security needs.

This policy forum will feature Representative Ed Case (D‑HI) and Representative James Moylan (R‑GU) along with the Cato Institute’s Colin Grabow to discuss the Jones Act’s broader economic costs, national security implications, and possible reforms.