McCain seeks to open U.S. domestic routes to foreign ships

[unhappycamper]

http://hamptonroads.com/2015/02/mccain-seeks-open-us-domestic-routes-foreign-ships



McCain seeks to open U.S. domestic routes to foreign ships
By Kevin Freking
The Associated Press
© February 6, 2015

WASHINGTON

Sen. John McCain, who seems to revel in the occasional lonely crusade, is now taking on America's maritime industry and the longstanding law barring foreign-built ships from transporting goods within the United States.

McCain's opposition to the 1920 Jones Act isn't new, but his status as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee is. He's made clear in recent weeks that one of his priorities is to strip away the maritime industry's protections, which he says stifle competition and drive up the cost of food, gasoline and steel.

"As has been my habit over the years, I will not quit on this issue," McCain said during a recent speech on the Senate floor.

Federal law requires that ships transporting cargo between two U.S. ports be built in the United States, manned by U.S. citizens and primarily owned by U.S. citizens.

[djean111]

1. Another attempt at union-busting? How strong is the SIU? n/t