U.S. Lawmakers Oppose E.U. Efforts To Undermine The Jones Act

Bipartisan leaders of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee have expressed strong concerns over European Union (E.U.) efforts to challenge the Jones Act.

In a letter addressed to E.U. Ambassador to the United States, Jovita Neliupšienė, key lawmakers—Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (R-MS), and Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA)—objected to an E.U.-funded lobbying campaign aimed at modifying the Jones Act (46 U.S.C. § 55102).

Concerns Over E.U. Influence Campaign

• The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) filing revealed that the E.U. financed a U.S. firm to create social media content, including TikTok-like videos, to criticize the Jones Act.
• The lobbying document outlining this advocacy campaign was later removed from the FARA filing after public disclosure.
• Lawmakers emphasized that the E.U.’s approach bypasses diplomatic channels and instead uses undisclosed U.S. organizations and social media influencers to sway public opinion.

Significance of the Jones Act

The Jones Act is a key piece of U.S. legislation that mandates vessels engaged in coastwise trade to be:

• U.S.-owned
• U.S.-built
• U.S.-crewed

The law supports the U.S. shipbuilding industry, strengthens the domestic supply chain, and ensures national security by maintaining strategic maritime capabilities.

Lawmakers Urge E.U. to Cease Lobbying Efforts

The Committee leaders called on the E.U. to stop circumventing traditional diplomatic processes and avoid actions that could undermine public trust in U.S. maritime policy.