MaritimeFedWatch

The American Bar Association House of Delegates adopted a resolution on August 7, 2018 which “urges Congress to enact legislation to provide a permanent exemption for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico from the requirements of the Jones Act, 46 U.S.C. §§ 55101 et seq.” The ABA is the largest not-for profit voluntary professional association of lawyers in the world. The resolution was accompanied by a report which concludes that “[e]xempting Puerto Rico from the Jones Act, much like the U.S. Virgin Islands, would be a way for Congress to help Puerto Rico’s economy at no addition cost to American citizens.” 

In connection with the financing crisis in Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico commissioned a report on changes that can be made to reverse the situation. The report – “Puerto Rico – A Way Forward” – was released on June 29, 2015.