Tennessee lawmakers defended American maritime workers with Jones Act resolution | Opinion
Ingram Barge Company was founded to move the energy and raw materials needed to power America’s post-war boom nearly 80 years ago. In the decades since, Ingram has continued to deliver for the American people, transporting cargo on our inland waterways in a safe, cost-effective, fuel and carbon emissions-efficient manner.
Headquartered in Nashville, we operate nearly 150 towboats all across the country— including right here on the Cumberland River. Ingram is a leader in our field, but we remain family owned and headquartered in Tennessee.
That connection is what inspires me to applaud the Tennessee General Assembly’s recent passage of SJR0954, a resolution expressing support for the Jones Act, the foundational law of American maritime that marked the anniversary of its enactment as federal law in June.
Hear more Tennessee Voices: Get the weekly opinion newsletter for insightful and thought provoking columns.
In these days of supply chain vulnerability, international instability and increasing inflation, America’s domestic maritime industry continues to operate as safely and efficiently as ever for the people of Tennessee.
The Jones Act is the federal law requiring that vessels moving cargo between U.S. ports— including those on the inland river system — be an American crew, American-owned and American-built. Without the Jones Act, the thousands of hard-working men and women employed by Ingram Barge Company would be undercut by underpaid foreign workers and homegrown American shipbuilders like Arcosa could be underbid by foreign companies.
The Jones Act provides non-exportable jobs to Tennessee workers that offer living wages and generous benefits.
The ongoing war in Europe shows us the risk of reliance on other nations for critical industries. Thanks in part to the Jones Act, Tennessee does not have to worry about keeping the lights on or moving critical agricultural commodities.
Hostile foreign actors can’t turn off the spigot on Tennessee’s resources so long as Americans are working our waterways.
Hear from Tennessee's Black Voices: Get the weekly newsletter for powerful and critical thinking columns.
When State Sen. Janice Bowling and State Rep. Greg Vital introduced the resolution supporting the Jones Act this spring, they recognized the positive impact that the Jones Act has on the lives of every Tennessean.
Tennessee has more than 20,000 maritime workers. Those workers generate an estimated $1.24 billion in annual income, and the sector adds an estimated $4.5 billion to the state’s economy. The men and women of our state’s maritime workforce are also critical to the Coast Guard’s mission of keeping our waterways safe and secure.
Your state. Your stories. Support more reporting like this.
A subscription gives you unlimited access to stories across Tennessee that make a difference in your life and the lives of those around you. Click here to become a subscriber.
The General Assembly deserves our gratitude for passing the Jones Act resolution, protecting jobs, securing the supply chain and promoting national security. Just as the Jones Act fueled the growth of the Tennessee economy in the past— with continued support from our lawmakers— it will help fuel the future of our great state as well.
John Roberts is president and CEO of Ingram Barge Company.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee lawmakers' Jones Act resolution defends US maritime workers
