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    Government/Policy

    October 2, 2022

    Leibowitz on Trade: Jones Act Waiver Tests Presidential Authority

    Written by Lewis Leibowitz

    The Jones Act is in the news again. The Jones Act requires that all trade within the United States (including Puerto Rico) be carried on US-registered ships built in the United States and manned by crews composed of at least 90% American citizens or permanent residents.

    Last week, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas waived the Jones Act to permit a foreign-registered BP oil tanker to land in Puerto Rico with a load of diesel fuel for the hurricane-ravaged island. Diesel fuel powers many of the generators in Puerto Rico.

    Lewis Leibowitz, SMU Contributor

    Lewis Leibowitz

    Lewis Leibowitz, owner of the Law Office of Lewis E. Leibowitz, practices in the areas of international trade law, customs law, and international commercial transactions. He represents clients before all federal courts and agencies dealing with international trade matters. Mr. Leibowitz advises and assists clients in diverse matters including trade remedies, customs, foreign-trade zones and free trade agreements, trade negotiations, and related matters. He can be reached at lewis.leibowitz@lellawoffice.com.

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