Refinitiv reports the White House is expected in coming days to extend a Jones
Act waiver as one of the few available tools to help lower gasoline prices. The
waiver, which allows non-U.S. vessels to move fuel between U.S. ports by
temporarily suspending the law’s U.S.-built, -owned and -crewed requirement, is
scheduled to expire on Aug. 16; an extension would be the longest pause in Jones
Act enforcement. U.S. government data show the waiver was used nearly 200 times
in the past 4½ months through end-July. Officials continue talks with shipping
industry representatives and lawmakers on narrowing the waiver’s scope while
preserving flexibility to transport critical fuel supplies. Opponents seek
geographic limits and stricter per-voyage review; key Republican lawmakers are
Urging tighter restrictions, warning broad waivers could weaken the U.S.
domestic fleet and undermine the law’s national security purpose.
