NJ AR113

Urges Congress to permit the sale of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products from Puerto Rico on the United States mainland

The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service currently prohibits or restricts movement of most fresh produce, plants, pork, and pork products from Puerto Rico due to invasive pest and disease risks

Travelers between Puerto Rico and the mainland face mandatory baggage inspections, with fines up to $1,000 for failing to declare prohibited items

The Jones Act increases shipping costs for Puerto Rican producers by requiring goods transported between U.S. ports to use American-built ships with U.S. crews

Natural disasters have reduced Puerto Rico's agricultural capacity, and lifting these restrictions could support economic recovery while maintaining appropriate plant protections