SB 2017-134: Open Ports Act (Passed)

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

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People's Regional Senate
Pending
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Sponsor: Scott

I hereby open the floor for debate.

[Associate Justice PiT]

     I've already used this number.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

The number has been changed.

So the Jones Act requires goods shipped between points in the country to be carried by vessels made in Atlasia and operated by Atlasians.  This protectionist law was passed with the goal of supporting a national maritime industry that could mobilize for war or emergencies and to protect Atlasian control over local maritime commerce.  However, doing so has made shipping costs appreciably high, especially for the states of Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico - the latter which, before RL suspension of the act, had experienced delayed assistance in the Hurricane Maria relief effort.

Simply put, the Jones Act is an outdated law that has not helped the nation's maritime industry, but has resulted in higher prices for states and territories not geographically connected to the Lower 48.  As Puerto Rico continues to recover, I hope that Congress will use this opportunity to finally remove the Jones Act from our books.

[Mr. Reactionary]

Hell yeah.

[Anna Komnene]

I support this bill. It's pretty dumb when regulations like the ones in the Jones Act need to be lifted every time we have some national emergency.

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Debate will continue for another 24 hours and then I'll open a vote.

Let's get some thoughts on this bill. I, for one, feel it is pretty cut and dry and should be passed.

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

All right, back to business.

Since R2 already announced a vote, I'll open it now.  Senators, please vote Aye, Nay, or Abstain.

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People's Regional Senate
Pending
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[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

Aye.

[PPT Spiral]

Nay

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Nay

May I inquire as to your reasonings behind this vote so we may consider it while debating it in the House?

[ZuWo]

Aye

[1978 New Wave skinny trousers]

Aye

[Grumpier Than Thou]

Aye

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

This has enough votes to pass.  Senators have 24 hours to change their vote.

[PPT Spiral]

Nay

May I inquire as to your reasonings behind this vote so we may consider it while debating it in the House?

I've seen legitimate arguments in defense of the Jones Act regarding national security. We have a better idea of who's in our shores with this act, and any wannabe maritime terrorists would have a harder time getting through our checkpoints. Of course, I understand that the repeal will pass and this is mostly a symbolic vote coming from the most protectionist member of the Senate.

[Southern Senator North Carolina Yankee]

Nay

May I inquire as to your reasonings behind this vote so we may consider it while debating it in the House?

I've seen legitimate arguments in defense of the Jones Act regarding national security. We have a better idea of who's in our shores with this act, and any wannabe maritime terrorists would have a harder time getting through our checkpoints. Of course, I understand that the repeal will pass and this is mostly a symbolic vote coming from the most protectionist member of the Senate.

Well the house has long made it it's prerogative to fix the mistakes that the Senate dumps in our laps.

I will be sure to consider your concerns when it comes before the House.

[Anna Komnene]

Aye

[The world will shine with light in our nightmare]

With five votes in favor and one against, this passes the Atlasian Senate.

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People's Regional Senate
Passed 5-1 in the Atlasian Senate assembled
Be it resolved, X President pro tempore
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