SUMMIT, NJ — Seventh Congressional District candidate Goutam Jois issued the following statement after calling Congressman Leonard Lance’s (R-NJ7) Flemington, Westfield, and Washington Offices and being told that his staffers are unsure of Rep. Lance’s position on the Jones Act, which is hampering ongoing relief efforts in Puerto Rico.“With each passing day, we see the devastation that Hurricane Maria caused in Puerto Rico. One of the biggest obstacles to getting much-needed supplies to the Island is the so-called “Jones Act.” Because of that law — nearly a century old and passed in response to World War I — all ships docking in Puerto Rico must be built, owned, and operated by Americans. As Rep. Lance said years ago in a similar context, the Jones Act can hamper relief operations and make international efforts to assist in the clean up more difficult.”

“He has also acknowledged that removing Jones Act requirements can eliminate ambiguity and potential bureaucratic delays while showing the American public that the United States is utilizing all the resources – foreign and domestic – at its disposal.”

“While the Trump Administration agreed to waive Jones Act requirements for Texas and Florida relief efforts, it has, perplexingly, refused to do so to help the 3.5 million Americans in Puerto Rico.  If the Administration won’t act, Congress must.  That’s why I call on Rep. Lance to support legislation to amend the Jones Act.”

“I ask residents of the Seventh District to join me in calling, emailing, and visiting Rep. Lance to let him know that you support an amendment to the Jones Act so that the residents of Puerto Rico can get the help they so desperately need, as soon as possible.”