Former Congressman Sean Duffy has been sworn in as U.S. Secretary of Transportation, signifying that our country’s decades-long commitment to the Jones Act will continue. This is a longstanding part of Secretary Duffy’s commitment to the United States’ shipping industry and future growth within the industry. At BoatLaw, LLP, we have seen firsthand how the Jones Act has kept this field stable and protected the interests of those who dedicate their life’s work to the maritime industry.
BoatLaw, LLP has helped many injured maritime workers seek compensation under the Jones Act. While general maritime law allows victims to secure maintenance and cure, the Jones Act provides additional protections that have helped maritime workers secure the compensation needed after serious injuries. Call us at 1-800-BOATLAW to find out how attorneys Nick Neidzwski and Douglas Williams can help you.
Sean Duffy’s Advocacy for the Jones Act
Secretary Sean Duffy has been a strong supporter of the Jones Act for many years. When he served as a Congressman, he served on Congressional Task Forces that gave him significant experience with the Jones Act and its role in strengthening the U.S. economy and protecting maritime workers. This law does not just protect American jobs; it also ensures that the United States has a fleet of ships always at the ready to address any national need.
During Duffy’s time as a nominee for Secretary of Transportation, he was questioned directly about his support for the Jones Act, with Senator Cantwell asking him “First of all, are you a supporter of the Jones Act?” Duffy answered directly, “Yes.”
This support for the Jones Act is part of a greater appreciation for the Act that has endured across many administrations that span the political spectrum.
The Jones Act’s Enduring Bipartisan Support
Since the Jones Act was passed in 1920, it has enjoyed substantial support from Republican and Democratic administrations alike. No matter which side of the political spectrum an administration may fall on, it’s impossible to deny the Jones Act’s role in protecting the American maritime industry and ensuring that the industry can continue to hire and retain the skilled employees it needs.
One of the main reasons this Act has such widespread approval is its ability to support American shipbuilding. As this act requires that goods be shipped on American-made vessels, it supports American jobs in shipyards and protects the industry from declining. Not only is this important economically, it ensures that the United States is ready in case of any national security emergency.
Without the Jones Act, it’s likely that the United States’ shipbuilding industry would wane, making it more difficult to build and maintain its own vessels. The country would become more dependent on foreign ships, presenting security holes should we enter an international conflict.
What Duffy’s Leadership Means for U.S. Maritime Policy
With Secretary Sean Duffy now heading the Department of Transportation, U.S. maritime policy could enjoy renewed strength and support during this administration. Secretary Duffy has been an ardent supporter of the Jones Act, which indicates that he’ll likely continue advocating for the U.S. maritime industry as a whole.
How might this play out? It remains to be seen, depending on Duffy’s priorities and the administration’s approach to the maritime industry as a whole. It’s possible that certain laws could be reinforced or strengthened to protect the maritime industry and give workers additional protections. It may also lead to the development of new maritime laws that secure America’s role as a global leader in this industry and support ongoing growth in the shipbuilding industry.
This is good news for those who work in the maritime industry and depend on its robust shipping capabilities. With the Department of Transportation unequivocally supporting the growth and support of the maritime industry, those who work in this field are likely to see substantial growth and additional protections. This is crucial for the stability of this field—without worker protections offered by laws like the Jones Act, recruiting and retaining maritime workers becomes much more difficult, as workers are less likely to choose this dangerous industry without the protections offered by current laws.
BoatLaw, LLP is Here for Your Maritime Law Needs
No matter which type of maritime injury you’ve suffered, the team of maritime lawyers at BoatLaw, LLP is here to help you seek compensation and justice. It starts with a free consultation—set one up now by calling us at 1-800-BOATLAW or reaching out to our team online.
Douglas R. Williams was raised in a military family. After retiring from the armed forces, his father sailed as the chief medical officer with many of the most popular cruise lines, including Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line. When not in school, Doug spent a good part of his youth in the crew quarters sailing with his father on cruise ships. He developed a practical knowledge of the maritime industry from a young age. Learn More here.
