A 1920s Maritime Law Is Complicating Puerto Rico's Recovery

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When it comes to aiding Puerto Rico, a decades-old rule of maritime policy has emerged as a key point of contention between the Trump Administration and lawmakers.

The 1920 Jones Act requires that goods shipped between U.S. ports be shipped on U.S. flag vessels, which are defined as American-made ships, owned by American firms and staffed by American crews.

The Jones Act was waived in the wake of hurricanes Harvey and Irma in order to bring faster to relief. Up until yesterday, the same had not been done for Puerto Rico. But finally today, the Jones Act was also waived for the island territory.

Walter Olson, a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, explains the ins and outs of this old policy, and its purpose. 

This segment is hosted by Todd Zwillich.