SB 2017-134: Open Ports Act (Passed)

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

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People's Regional Senate
Pending
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Sponsor: Scott

I hereby open the floor for debate.

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

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Simply put, the Jones Act is an outdated law that has not helped the nation's maritime industry, but has resulted in higher prices for states and territories not geographically connected to the Lower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.

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

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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[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

Aye.

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

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

[Mad Deadly Worldwide Communist Gangster Computer God]

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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