House GOP urges Trump to let Jones Act waiver expire

House Speaker Mike Johnson and 51 Republican members of the House of Representatives have called on President Donald Trump to allow emergency waivers of a century-old shipping law to expire in mid-August as scheduled. The lawmakers argue that the national security and economic crisis that justified the temporary suspension of the Jones Act has passed, and further extensions risk undermining the American maritime industry.

The Jones Act, formally part of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, requires that cargo shipped between U.S. ports be transported on vessels that are American-built, American-owned, and American-crewed. In March, following a sharp spike in oil and fuel prices triggered by supply disruptions from the war in Iran, the Trump administration issued a 60-day waiver. This allowed foreign-flagged ships to carry petroleum and other goods in domestic coastal trade. The waiver was later extended for an additional 90 days and is currently set to lapse on August 16.

In a letter made public on Wednesday, the Republican coalition contends the emergency conditions have eased. They cite a recent ceasefire and framework deal between the U.S. and Iran aimed at reopening the Strait...