Velázquez Introduces the Bipartisan Puerto Rico Recovery Act

Washington, D.C.--In the wake of Hurricane Fiona, Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) introduced the Puerto Rico Recovery Act, a bill requiring the Department of Homeland Security to waive the Jones Act for vessels or operators reasonably demonstrating their intention to provide disaster relief to Puerto Rico. The waivers would be valid for one year or until the end of the Major Disaster Declaration for Puerto Rico, whichever comes first. The bill was also introduced by Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) in the Senate. This legislation establishes a swift Jones Act waiver approval process which will help ensure full and continued relief to Puerto Rico.

"Too many times, the Jones Act has plagued recovery efforts for certain areas of the United States that have been devastated by natural disasters," said Rep. Velázquez. "After Hurricane Maria, we saw the consequences the Jones Act had on Puerto Rico, which is why I introduced a bill that would put a 5-year moratorium on it. Unfortunately, we are witnessing another painful reminder of its hinderance to a quick recovery after Hurricane Fiona devastated the island just last week. This is why I'm joining with Senator Mike Lee in introducing the Puerto Rico Recovery Act, which will provide a one-year exemption from certain Jones Act restrictions to vessels delivering disaster relief to Puerto Rico for the areas affected by Hurricane Fiona."

A PDF of the bill is online here.

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