Hyde-Smith celebrates the importance of Jones Act to MS shipbuilding, economy

U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) today celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Jones Act, a pivotal law that has buttressed shipbuilding as a major employer in Mississippi.

To commemorate the centennial milestone of the law, Hyde-Smith noted that Mississippi ranks second nationally in per capita shipyard jobs, meaning that one out of every 75 Mississippians has a job directly or indirectly related to the shipyard industry.  The domestic maritime activities in the state account 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,” Hyde-Smith said.  “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.”

Hyde-Smith’s statement, as printed in the Congressional Record:

RECOGNIZING THE JONES ACT 100TH ANNIVERSARY

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.

###

Release from Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith.