IL HR0115

Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico on September 20, 2017, as a Category 4 storm with sustained winds of 155 miles per hour, causing complete power loss and severe flooding across the island.

The President issued a ten-day waiver of the federal Jones Act on September 29, 2017, which normally requires all goods shipped between U.S. ports to be transported by U.S. vessels only.

The Jones Act waiver expired on October 10, 2017, and members of Congress urged the President to consider permanent repeal, citing it as an "antiquated, protectionist law" that has increased costs and harmed Puerto Rico's economy.

The resolution urges the President of the United States to abolish the federal Jones Act and allow Puerto Rico to receive relief supplies from foreign vessels when there is a shortage of U.S. flagged ships.

A suitable copy of the resolution shall be presented to the President of the United States.