Issues Under Fire: "45", The Jones Act & Puerto Rico's Humanitarian Crises
Sometimes even a horrible crisis can have a silver lining. Were it not for hurricane Maria, a majority of mainland Americans would have no idea what the Jones Act of 1920 is, means or how it impacts Americans living and working on the island of Puerto Rico. For the most part, tourists will visit San Juan on a cruise-ship, down a few drinks, sample the local cuisine, take a bunch of selfies and hunt for cheap souvenirs all in a few hours and never think twice about the island's economy, unemployment rate, debt, or taxes. And why should they? They're on vacation. But as fate would have it, hurricanes Irma and Maria changed all that.
In the aftermath of Maria's catastrophic collision with Puerto Rico, already reeling from the effects of Irma, the immediate visuals coming from the island were total devastation. There is no power, no fresh water, no fuel for cars, cooking or air conditioning. But worst of all, food and medicine are running out. In a few hours, the Island was reduced to rubble and need was tremendous. Sadly, the response was businesslike and dispassionate. Despite the suffering that called for a "we'll do everything humanly possible attitude", Puerto Rico is being left hanging out to dry.
Relief efforts could've been sped up exponentially if the United States would issue a wavier of the Jones Act, to allow any ship to deliver critical supplies to the ravaged island. Current law (the Jones Act) prevents anyone other than America made ships, owned by Americans, with American crews, from shipping goods between American ports.
You can imagine how the Jones Act raises the cost of everything Puerto Rico imports. And Puerto Rico imports everything. As an island, Puerto Rico is a captive market. Policymakers have argued for years to have the antiquated, protectionist and economically burdensome law taken off the books, but since Puerto Rican citizens can't vote and have very little congressional representation, they have no political clout to do a damn thing about it.
One would think, under the circumstances, the United States government would at the very least allow a temporary waiver to mitigate the unprecedented hardship. Considering the Jones Act's economic impact is arguably a major contributor to Puerto Rico's $74 billion debt crises, the humanitarian thing to do would be to relax the rules until the island territory can get its head above water. But thus far, "45" appears willing to leave those most in need exposed to needless waits for essential services, while drowning in debt with little, if any, money left to pay for anything. And by the way, Puerto Ricans pay taxes, serve in the U.S. military and are just as patriotic as any other American.
Bottom line: Apparently slow walking his decision in the interest of U.S. business profits, "45"'s response to Puerto Rico has been anything but humane. Still, on the other hand, Puerto Ricans should be grateful. At least "45's" administration announced that it would waive all regulations requiring Puerto Rico to match FEMA disaster relief funds. One could say, that was mighty White of him, considering he waived the Jones Act for Houston and Florida. Podcast below.
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