U.S. Representative James C. Moylan announced on Mar. 19 that the White House has approved a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act for oil and fuel shipments, allowing foreign vessels to transport supplies between U.S. ports in response to ongoing global supply chain pressures.
The temporary waiver is intended to stabilize fuel costs in Guam, which directly affects electricity prices, transportation expenses, and the overall cost of living for residents. Moylan said, “I have been informed by the White House of the President’s decision to authorize a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act for oil and fuel shipments. While this may be temporary, it will provide meaningful relief by stabilizing fuel costs, which directly impacts the price of electricity, transportation, and the overall cost of living in Guam. I applaud President Trump for taking swift action and recognizing the need for flexibility during times of disruption.”
The Jones Act requires domestic waterborne cargo to be transported on U.S.-flagged vessels operated by U.S. crews; waiving this rule allows foreign ships to assist with deliveries when disruptions threaten energy markets.
Moylan said he has long advocated for increased flexibility under these shipping regulations due to high shipping and energy costs faced by Guam and other noncontiguous U.S. jurisdictions: “I have long advocated for increased flexibility under the Jones Act, particularly for Guam and other noncontiguous U.S. jurisdictions that face disproportionately high shipping and energy costs.” He also referenced his work with colleagues such as Congressman Ed Case from Hawaii on measures designed to increase competition and lower costs.
Moylan added that through his role with the Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA), he continues pushing for targeted relief as well as longer-term reforms: “Through my work with IGIA, I have consistently pushed for targeted relief and long-term reforms to address these challenges.”
Concluding his statement, Moylan said that while this move is a response to current global uncertainty over supply chains, it demonstrates how targeted regulatory flexibility can offer immediate help: “While this waiver comes at a time of global uncertainty, it shows that targeted flexibility can deliver real, immediate relief to our communities. I will continue working to ensure that this is not just a temporary response to a crisis but a step toward more consistent and long-term solutions for Guam and the territories.”
