DJOU: “WAIVE JONES ACT FOR OIL SPILL”

Washington, DC — Congressman Charles Djou (HI-01) released the following statement Tuesday urging President Obama to waive the Jones Act so that foreign ships will be able to assist in cleaning up the oil spill:

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“I agree with the President that our nation’s top priority in addressing the Gulf accident is to stop the leak, clean up the mess and hold BP accountable.

“I am disappointed, however, that the President has failed to waive the Jones Act for foreign ships, who want to assist in the clean-up efforts. There is no good reason to turn away international help in responding to this environmental catastrophe.

“Nevertheless, I look forward to working with President Obama to temper the House energy bill and craft a sensible long-term energy strategy for America that makes sense for our economy.”

The 90-year old Jones Act blocks foreign vessels from operating in U.S. waters.  Multiple foreign nations including Mexico, Canada, and Belgium have offered to assist the U.S. in cleaning up the BP oil spill disaster, but have been prevented from doing so because of the Jones Act.  European companies with advanced environmental clean-up technologies could dramatically speed the Gulf coast clean up.  The prior administration had waived the Jones Act to help with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.  For Hawai‘i residents, the Jones Act has resulted in increased costs for goods.

Today (6-15-10) was the first national address given by President Obama from the Oval Office.  Congressman Djou will be delivering a response to the president’s remarks live on CNBC at 11:30pm Hawai‘i Time. 

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