Jones Act Waiver: Short-term Fix or Long-term Solution?

0:00It's March 24, I'm Cory with the story, and this is hard for news today, your AI-powered local news. A temporary two-month waiver of the Jones Act has been issued amid tensions with Iran, but Puerto Rican lawmakers in Connecticut argue it's just a short-term fix that doesn't address deeper issues. The 100-year-old law mandates that goods imported to places like Puerto Rico must first stop at the U.S. mainland on American flag ships, driving up everyday costs for island residents who rely heavily on outside supplies. Lawmakers like Representative Christopher Rosario from Bridgeport point out how this fuels sky-high energy prices in both Puerto Rico and Connecticut. Two states with some of the nation's steepest bills, and he's pushed Congress for targeted exemptions on natural gas. Meanwhile, Representative Andre Bungardner, who switched from Republican to Democrat, calls the law vital for the maritime industry around. Its submarine bases, yet unfair to Puerto Rico, drawing parallels to local energy struggles

1:03and advocating public control of utilities. Efforts continue across party lines, including work with think tanks to reform the act and ease these burdens long-term, offering real relief where it's needed most.