Urges Congress and President to permanently exempt Puerto Rico from Jones Act.

This concurrent resolution (SCR 48) urges the U.S. Congress and President to permanently exempt Puerto Rico from the Jones Act's shipping restrictions. The Jones Act requires goods shipped between U.S. ports by water to use U.S.-flagged vessels built, owned, and crewed by U.S. citizens, which increases shipping costs for island territories. Puerto Rico, as an unincorporated U.S. territory, faces higher prices for imported goods due to these restrictions, and the resolution argues permanent exemption would reduce costs for residents and aid recovery from Hurricane Maria and Puerto Rico’s pre-existing financial crisis. The exemption would apply to most goods but exclude items needed for national defense. Note: This is a non-binding request, not a law.