Trump Halts the Blockade of U.S. Ports

His waiver of the Jones Act is helping U.S. oil supply, so why not repeal the 1920 law?

WSJ editorial. Excerpts:

"So far, about two dozen waiver voyages have been reported complete as of April 30, according to the Maritime Administration."

"Mr. Trump’s initial suspension of the Jones Act was for 60 days, but late last month he extended that for another 90 days, with the White House calling it a great success. “New data compiled since the initial waiver was issued revealed that significantly more supply was able to reach U.S. ports faster,” a spokeswoman said. “This extension will help ensure vital energy products, industrial materials, and agricultural necessities are maintained.”"

"Funny, it also sounds like a good argument for permanent Jones Act relief. In a crisis, such as a hurricane in the Caribbean or a menacing in the Persian Gulf, the archaic law becomes an acute problem, because it limits the flexibility of American supply chains to respond."

"The Jones Act’s defenders call it an America First policy to protect a U.S. shipbuilding industry and merchant marine. A century later, that clearly hasn’t worked."