State Rep. Rosario Backs Improved Economic And Trade Relations With Puerto Rico

News release from State Rep. Chris Rosario:

Deputy Speaker Chris Rosario (D-Bridgeport) applauds the Commerce Committee’s passing today of House Joint Resolution No. 9 Memorializing Congress to Amend the Jones Act to Improve Economic and Trade Relations Between The State Of Connecticut And Puerto Rico.

The resolution calls upon the Congress of the United States to pass legislation to exempt Puerto Rico from the Jones Act.

“I want to thank my colleagues on the Commerce Committee for recognizing the importance of this resolution and supporting its advancement to the House floor,” said Deputy Speaker Christopher Rosario. “With today’s uncertainty coming from Washington, Connecticut must lead the way in advocating for policies that support our communities and drive down energy costs.”

“Connecticut residents and the people of Puerto Rico should not bear the consequences of outdated policies that drive up the cost of living,” continued Rosario. “This resolution sends a clear message that we stand in support of sensible reforms to bring relief to our communities.”

The Jones Act, officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, has had a significant impact on Puerto Rico by mandating that all goods transported between U.S. ports—including those to and from Puerto Rico—be carried on ships that are U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-crewed.

This requirement leads to increased shipping costs and hinders trade. As a result, Puerto Rico is limited to a smaller pool of U.S.-flagged vessels for transporting goods between the island and the U.S. mainland. Consequently, these restrictions drive up shipping costs, making goods more expensive for both consumers and businesses in Puerto Rico.

HJ9 will now move to the House floor for further consideration. Deputy Speaker Rosario remains committed to working with legislative leaders, stakeholders, and members of Connecticut’s congressional delegation to push for change.

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  1. When the Colonization of Puert Rico is terminate, only then will Puerto Rico have free commerce. By the time this happens, El Salvador may have a Canal and Highway system from the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast. It’s a Global Economy System, Connecticut to Puerto Rico is NOT “Global.”
    Why you think the Chinese who held a majority control of the Panama Canal gave that up to the USA? The whole region in and around the Paname Canal has been completely mapped out and studie by the Chinese,””c” to the point all weak points of the facility to are known. Thy at the Port and second Airport currently in construction in El Salvador. Puerto Rico is the back-up strategic location for the Atlantic Fleet in case of World Wat III

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