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RKS 3

“Para exigir del Congreso de los Estados Unidos de América que, en virtud de sus poderes plenarios para legislar sobre Puerto Rico bajo la Cláusula Territorial de la Constitución de los Estados Unidos, enmiende la Ley Jones de 1920 (Merchant Marine Act of 1920, Pub. L. 66-261, as amended, 46 U.S.C. §§ 50101–58109), así como cualquier otra legislación pertinente sobre cabotaje, para excluir a Puerto Rico del ámbito de aplicación de dichas leyes.”

2025-2028 Session

Bill requests U.S. Congress exempt Puerto Rico from Jones Act shipping restrictions to reduce freight costs and boost island economic competitiveness.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida
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Bill Summary · RKS 3

Legislative bill overview

Bill RKS 3 requests that the U.S. Congress amend the Jones Act of 1920 and related cabotage laws to exempt Puerto Rico from their application. The Jones Act requires that goods shipped between U.S. ports be transported on U.S.-flagged, U.S.-built, and U.S.-crewed vessels, significantly increasing shipping costs to Puerto Rico.

Why is this important

Puerto Rico faces substantially higher freight costs than the mainland due to Jones Act restrictions, which advocates argue inflate prices for consumers and businesses on the island. Exempting Puerto Rico could reduce the cost of imports and exports, potentially lowering living expenses and improving economic competitiveness, though shipping industry representatives argue it would harm domestic shipbuilders and maritime workers.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic impact debate: Supporters claim exemption reduces costs and boosts growth; opponents worry it undermines the U.S. maritime industry and domestic shipbuilding jobs
  • Jurisdictional complexity: Congress has broad authority over Puerto Rico's trade, but changing the Jones Act affects national maritime policy and requires federal legislative action
  • Implementation challenges: Defining Puerto Rico's exemption boundaries and preventing circumvention of cabotage rules for mainland shipping would require detailed regulatory framework

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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