White House Extends Jones Act Waiver by 90 Days Starting May 18: 40+ Tankers Used It, Maritime Labor Unions Push Back

The White House issued a 90-day extension of the Jones Act waiver. The new extension takes effect at 12:00 AM ET on May 18, following the original 60-day waiver enacted on March 18. The Jones Act regulates shipping between U.S. ports, requiring cargo moved domestically to be carried on ships built in the U.S., owned by U.S. citizens, U.S.-flagged and primarily crewed by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.

White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers wrote that new data compiled since the initial waiver showed significantly more supply was reaching U.S. ports faster. According to a CBS News report citing the White House, more than 40 tankers have used or will use the waiver, increasing inter-port U.S. transport capacity by more than 70% and bringing over 9 million barrels of U.S. oil to domestic ports. DOE Secretary Chris Wright previously said the waiver helps oil and other energy resources reach Americans across the country during disruption periods.

U.S. maritime unions oppose the move. A coalition including American Maritime Officers, American Radio Association, International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots, Marine Firemen's Union, MEBA, Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO, Sailors' Union of the Pacific, Seafarers International Union and the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO stated: "This sweeping waiver undermines our national security, weakens military readiness and hands critical maritime work to foreign vessel operators."

The unions argue Jones Act waivers have traditionally been granted only in narrow, clearly defined national-security emergencies where U.S.-flag capacity is unavailable, and that this decision does not meet that standard. The statement adds the move will not provide meaningful gas-pump relief — the primary driver of gasoline prices remains global crude cost, and domestic shipping accounts for less than one cent per gallon.

Key Takeaways:
1. The White House issued a 90-day extension of the Jones Act waiver, effective May 18.
2. The original 60-day waiver took effect March 18.
3. Over 40 tankers used the waiver; inter-port U.S. transport capacity rose 70%+.
4. More than 9 million barrels of U.S. oil reached domestic ports.
5. U.S. maritime labor unions (AFL-CIO coalition) say the waiver undermines national security.