DHS Won’t Renew Waiver That Let Puerto Rico Import for Cheap
CRUEL
The Jones Act requires PR to get its imports from U.S. ships—often at twice the price.
Scott/U.S. Navy/Handout via REUTERS
The Department of Homeland Security will not renew its waiver to temporarily suspend the Jones Act, the department announced Monday. After Hurricane Maria wreaked destruction on Puerto Rico, the DHS temporarily waived the shipping law that bars the island from receiving goods carried on ships built in or operated by other nations, effectively doubling the price of imports in Puerto Rico. The waiver allowed Puerto Rico to import food, water, and supplies more quickly and for less money while the island recovered from the hurricane. Without the waiver, imports are expected to slow, and double in price again.
