Dear Secretary Mullin, Secretary Hegseth, Secretary Wright, and Secretary Rollins:
The undersigned individuals write to commend President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend enforcement of the century-old Jones Act for covered commodities for an additional 90 days rather than allow his waiver to expire.
The Jones Act requires cargo shipped domestically over water to be carried on vessels that are U.S.-built, owned, and crewed, even if more affordable and efficient options are available. However, U.S. law allows the Secretary of War to request a waiver of the Jones Act when “necessary in the interest of national defense to address an immediate adverse effect on military operations.”[1]
The U.S.-Iran engagement and resulting energy disruptions underscore the ongoing importance of Jones Act waivers. President Trump’s actions have permitted more than 200 voyages since March, allowing vessels to deliver goods Americans rely on, including gasoline, jet fuel, diesel fuel, crude oil, and fertilizer.[2] Allowing this beneficial waiver to end would not have been in the national interest. Although the extended waiver adds a new requirement for consultations between the Maritime Administration and the Pentagon, we applaud the Administration for not allowing it to expire.
Thank you for your leadership.
Sincerely,
[1] U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration, Waiver of the Navigation Laws - 46 U.S.C. § 501.
[2] U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration, 501c Waiver Report, August 7, 2026.