Assessing the Jones Act: Perspectives from the Noncontiguous States and Territories

Assessing the Jones Act: Perspectives from the Noncontiguous States and Territories

Author: Cato Institute September 16, 2025 Duration: 1:01:56

Noncontiguous states and territories are disproportionally harmed by the Jones Act’s restrictions on shipping competition. Rooted in 18th-century protectionism, the law significantly increases the cost of water transportation for these shipping-dependent parts of the country when trading with each other and the US mainland. Beyond these economic costs, the Jones Act has also proven to be ineffective in meeting the country’s national security needs amidst a collapse in shipbuilding, a declining fleet, and a shortage of mariners. There is a growing and bipartisan recognition among policymakers that an overhaul of US maritime policy is sorely needed to meet the country’s economic and national security needs. 


This policy forum will feature Representative Ed Case (D‑HI) and Representative James Moylan (R‑GU) along with the Cato Institute’s Colin Grabow to discuss the Jones Act’s broader economic costs, national security implications, and possible reforms.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Step inside the Cato Institute's renowned Washington, D.C. events without leaving your desk. The Cato Event Podcast brings the lecture hall and briefing room directly to you, featuring unfiltered audio from live policy forums, author discussions, and Capitol Hill briefings. Each episode captures the substance of these gatherings, where scholars, policymakers, and leading thinkers engage in detailed conversations about liberty, governance, and current affairs. You'll hear substantive debates and thoughtful commentary that cut through the noise of daily headlines, offering deeper analysis on the issues shaping legislation and public discourse. This isn't a produced studio show; it's a front-row seat to the kind of candid exchanges that happen when experts gather to challenge conventional wisdom. The Cato Institute, through this podcast, provides a direct conduit to these discussions, emphasizing a perspective rooted in individual freedom, limited government, and free markets. Tune in for a raw, intellectual experience that goes beyond soundbites, perfect for anyone who wants to understand the foundational ideas behind today's political news.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Cato Event Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Felony Review: Tales of True Crime and Corruption in Chicago [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:26
What does life on the front lines of criminal justice actually look like—and what can it teach us about the state of American law today? Please join us for a discussion with Randy Barnett on his new memoir, Felony Review…
Congress, the Balance of Payments, and Tariff Reform [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:40
In the wake of the February 2026 Supreme Court ruling on the legality of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs, the Trump administration has used alternative authorities to reimpose tariffs, inc…
Trump’s Iran Gamble [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:23
President Trump has launched a war with Iran, leaving the American public with more questions than answers. Great uncertainty remains around the war’s strategic objectives, the duration of the campaign, and its long-term…
Virtual Fireside Chat with Senator Ron Wyden (D‑OR) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:26
Thirty years ago, as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, Section 230 became law. The law was the result of a bipartisan effort that saw the potential of the internet and sought to encourage innovation and opportunit…
Panel 1: Past: Section 230’s origins and early interpretations [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:47
Thirty years ago, as part of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, Section 230 became law. The law was the result of a bipartisan effort that saw the potential of the internet and sought to encourage innovation and opportunit…