b'2.4 AWOS Allegretti optimisticTrump will uphold the Jones Actafter proposed waiver rejected Following a meeting with Republican U.S. senators, President Trumphas decided not to go ahead with a proposal to waive Jones Act rules that would have allowed foreign flagged ships to transport natural gas from American ports to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Northeast.Stas Margaronis, AJOT The Presidents decision was hailed by Tom Allegretti, president & This article was originally published onMay 13, 2019 in issue #688 CEO, The American Waterways Operators.The day before the Presidents meeting with the senators, Senator John Kennedy, a Republican from Louisiana was quoted as saying: I am going to go to the White House tomorrow to try to talk the President out of doing something foolish and that is trying to curtail the Jones Act protectionsIf that is his inclination, then (Trump) has been receiving some bad advice.In response to questions from AJOT, Allegretti said, We are therefore optimistic that when the President considers the 650,000 American jobs supported by the Jones Act, and the importance of the Jones Act to maintaining robust sealift capabilities and protecting our domestic waterways from security threats, he will stay true to his commitment. He came through on that commitment just yesterday (May 1, 2019) in refusing to approve Jones Act waivers that were proposed to him.The Jones Act requires that goods shipped between U.S. ports be transported on American-built ships that are owned and crewed by Americans.[image 2.4] next page Allegretti strongly objects to waivers of the Jones Act: The use of 502nd LRS contribute to Hurricane Maria relief efforts Jones Act waivers undermines the Jones Act because it undermines confidence in Americas long-term commitment to its maritime indus-try and workforce. Maritime businesses rely on that commitment and stability to make long-term investments in new vessels, additional em-ployees, and expanded services for customers. The Presidents refusal to approve such waivers should send a clear signal to special interests that their anti-Jones Act proposals will not be approved in this Admin-istration.36 THE UNCONTAINED www.theuncontained.com.theuncontained.com'