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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Emanuel Cleaver II (5th District Missouri)

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver, II (D-MO), Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA) introduced legislation that would guarantee incarcerated workers nationwide receive the federal minimum wage for their labor. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act would ensure incarcerated workers are paid at least the federal minimum wage, eliminate excessive wage deductions, and extend basic labor protections to workers in correctional facilities nationwide. This legislation builds on ongoing efforts to address the lack of fair compensation for incarcerated workers across the United States and recognizes the vital contributions of those in correctional facilities, including their heroic efforts battling the Los Angeles wildfires in 2025. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is endorsed by criminal justice reform advocate Kim Kardashian.

“For too long, incarcerated workers across our country have labored for pennies an hour while performing essential work that keeps our correctional facilities and communities running,” said Congressman Cleaver. “The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is about restoring dignity to work and fairness to a system that has too often taken advantage of those seeking redemption. By guaranteeing the federal minimum wage and extending basic labor protections, we can help incarcerated individuals meet their financial obligations, support their families, and better prepare for successful reentry into society. If we are serious about reducing recidivism and building safer communities, we must ensure that work performed by incarcerated Americans is valued and compensated fairly.”

“It is time to end the exploitative practices in correctional facilities and ensure incarcerated workers are treated with dignity and paid minimum wage for their labor,” said Senator Booker. “Too often, incarcerated people are never able to pay restitution to their victims, or save enough money to ensure a successful reentry, resulting in a never-ending cycle of recidivism. Incarcerated workers contribute meaningful labor that supports our economy and our communities, yet they are denied a fair wage that could help support victims and assist in their reentry. This legislation reflects a principle that all Americans support: if someone is working, they should be paid fairly.”

“Incarcerated workers are workers. They deserve fair pay so they can have the resources they need to succeed upon reentry,” said Representative Kamlager-Dove. “Yet while mega-corporations raise prices and squeeze families, they exploit incarcerated people to produce everyday goods—from cereal to hot dogs—paying just pennies an hour. Because these workers are disproportionately Black and people of color, this practice is a modern-day form of slavery enabled by a loophole in the 13th Amendment. I’m proud to co-lead this bill to right that wrong by ensuring incarcerated workers are paid the federal minimum wage.” 

“Most Americans believe in working hard, being treated fairly, and giving people a second chance. That’s why I’m speaking out in strong support of Senator Cory Booker’s Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act, a bill that reflects our American values by addressing something many people don’t realize is happening right now across the country. Every day, incarcerated people work, some clean and maintain the very facilities they live in, others help fight wildfires, manufacture products, or do jobs that benefit state economies. But despite their labor, many earn less than a dollar an hour. Some earn nothing at all. This isn’t just a policy flaw, it’s a moral issue. Incarcerated people may be serving sentences, but they’re still human beings. If we expect people to work and contribute, we should also give them the opportunity to earn fair pay. That’s how we prepare them to reenter society, support their families, and avoid the cycle of poverty and incarceration. I personally watched incarcerated people who risked their lives battling the massive wildfires in Los Angeles last year. They showed so much bravery and commitment doing the same dangerous work as professional firefighters but they were paid just a few dollars a day. In many cases, they’re banned from even applying for firefighting jobs once they’re released. That’s not just unfair, it’s un-American. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act doesn’t just address wages, it reinforces the principle that work should be respected, and that everyone deserves the chance to earn an honest living. It helps people take responsibility and prepare for life after prison, while also supporting victims through restitution and reducing the long-term cost of incarceration to taxpayers. This is not a partisan issue—it’s a human one. No matter where you stand politically, we can all agree: when someone works, they should be paid fairly. And if we want people to return home ready to contribute to society, we need to give them a fair shot. I’m urging lawmakers on both sides and people across the country to support this legislation. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is about justice, accountability, and opportunity. Hard work should always be respected, and everyone deserves the chance to earn an honest living,” said Kim Kardashian.

The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution formally abolished slavery, “except as a punishment for crime,” which has enabled the exploitation of incarcerated individuals in correctional facilities across the country. The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is an important step towards closing this loophole and would provide additional protections for incarcerated Americans by:

• Requiring incarcerated workers to be covered under the federal minimum wage through amendments to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
• Eliminating excessive wage deductions for fees, fines, and basic living costs within correctional facilities.

The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is the latest bill introduced by Rep. Cleaver this year focused on reducing recidivism and strengthening protections for incarcerated Americans. In January, Rep. Cleaver introduced the Prison Libraries Act to expand library resources in U.S. state and territory correctional facilities.

The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is endorsed by: The American Civil Liberties Union, Brennan Center for Justice, Center for Law and Social Policy, Economic Policy Institute, The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, Safer Foundation, Tzedek Association, the Vera Institute of Justice, and the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice.

The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is cosponsored by Reps. Hank Johnson (D-GA), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Jesús “Chuy” García (D-IL), Danny Davis (D-IL), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Mark Pocan (D-WI), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC).

Official text of the Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act is available here.

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee’s Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Greenwood, Blue Springs, North Kansas City, Gladstone, and Claycomo. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee and Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11)

Auburn Hills, MI— Today, in response to Vice President Vance’s visit to Engineering Design Services Inc., a manufacturing facility in her district, Michigan Congresswoman Haley Stevens issued the following statement:

“Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have done nothing but drive up costs for Michigan workers and lose our state thousands of jobs. This visit is more of the same—empty rhetoric and political stunts, not meaningful action to improve lives. Michiganders know the difference.

“I’ve visited nearly 200 manufacturing plants across Michigan. I’ve been on the shop floors with workers, listening to their challenges and working to bring jobs back and strengthen our supply chains. That’s what doing the work actually looks like.

“Manufacturing isn’t just a talking point in Michigan. It’s our economy, our livelihoods, and our future. I’ll keep fighting to lower costs, create good-paying jobs, and invest in Michigan’s manufacturing economy. Vance is just passing through.”

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Zoe Lofgren (D-San Jose)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology passed H.R. 7813, NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act, during a full committee markup. This important legislation will direct the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to modernize and expand a nationwide Weather Radio network, provide emergency alerts, and remain resilient during emergencies.

“When every second counts, it is essential for the U.S. to have a reliable Weather Radio network,” said Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA). “The NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act will ensure all Americans have access to life-saving alerts even in times of power outages or extreme weather events. As natural disasters continue to intensify, this legislation marks an important step towards proactively protecting Americans from catastrophe.”

Highlights of H.R. 7813:

• Classifies National Weather Service personnel as protective service occupations and directs NOAA to not carry out staffing changes affecting these positions unless Congress is notified.
• Replaces aging transmitters and upgrades broadcasting capabilities to improve reliability.
• Expands access in rural and remote areas.
• Enhances flash-flood alerts and supports the National Weather Service workforce delivering critical information.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Johnson (LA-04)

WASHINGTON — Last night, Speaker Johnson joined Sean Hannity on Fox News to discuss Democrats’ demand to defund Customs and Border Protection – and reopen American borders – in exchange for their votes to pay TSA agents and fund FEMA for the American people. Speaker Johnson also addressed the Democrats once again being on the wrong side of a 90/10 issue with their opposition to the SAVE America Act.

“House Democrats and Senate Democrats have joined together – the same group that gave us wide open borders and defunding the police is at it again,” Speaker Johnson said. “They are refusing to reopen TSA and FEMA for the American people unless they can also reopen the borders for illegal aliens. That’s exactly what’s at stake right now.”

Watch the full interview here.

On Democrat attempts to reopen America’s borders:

Listen, this is what’s really important. People don’t understand, the Department of Homeland Security is the third largest department of the federal government. There are 10 agencies in DHS, and they happen to be the agencies that are there, just as the name suggests, to keep Americans safe. You have 260,000 employees [at DHS]. One of those agencies, just one of them, is Customs and Border Protection. It’s the largest federal law enforcement agency in America, and they are trying to defund it. They want to defund the police, and this time, it’s the people that keep the borders closed and keep our community safe and deport these dangerous people out of our country.

On Democrats voting against legislation to deport illegal aliens who commit fraud:

This is a very important thing. We’ve got to crack down on fraud, waste and abuse in government, the abuse of our federal welfare programs. Obviously, it’s a big problem in the country. And if you have illegal aliens who have already violated the law to come here and they’re engaging in these other crimes, you know, bilking the federal taxpayers, they ought to be immediately deported. The Democrats do not want to deport criminal illegal aliens, but 83% of Americans do. They understand this is critical to maintain the rule of law and law and order.

On the SAVE America Act: 

We certainly encourage all Senators to do the right thing and do what the American people demand and deserve. The Republican Senators are working hard to pass the SAVE America Act. Of course, we passed it out of the House three times. The SAVE Act twice, and now the SAVE America Act. Sean, very simply, you’re talking about requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote and a photo ID when you show up to do that. Those are 90/10 issues in the country, and 70% of Democrats say that is a commonsense regulation and restriction on voting. And they won’t do it. The Democrats in the Senate will not do it.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced her support for new legislation that would provide automatic refunds to small businesses and families forced to pay President Trump’s reckless tariffs. While large corporations can fight in court to reclaim their losses, most small businesses lack the resources to recover these payments — leaving them and their customers to bear the cost.

“Reckless tariffs are a direct tax on Kansas families, raising prices on groceries, gas, and everyday goods, and squeezing small businesses,” said Davids. “The Supreme Court has made clear that these tariffs were illegal, yet the Trump Administration continues to announce more. This new bill would ensure hardworking Kansans and small businesses actually get the refunds they deserve — not just the largest, wealthiest corporations. This is a necessary step to restore fairness, lower costs, and protect Kansas communities.”

WATCH: Davids speaks on her support for the Restoring Economic Lifelines for Independent Enterprises and Family Businesses (RELIEF) Act

Trump’s tariff policies have hit Kansas hard, driving up costs for families and threatening small businesses and farmers. According to estimates, average American households will pay roughly $2,500 more this year because of these policies. Local industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail have faced higher costs for imported goods, forcing some businesses to raise consumer prices, cut jobs, or close entirely.

While the Supreme Court ruled these tariffs illegal, the administration is still implementing them. Refunds are being discussed, but under the current system, small businesses often lack the resources to reclaim funds, while large corporations can pursue lengthy litigation to recover tariff payments.

The RELIEF Act would:

• Require automatic refunds for all tariffs collected since January 1, 2025 – so small businesses and families don’t have to wait years or hire lawyers to get back the money they were forced to pay.
• Ensure refunds are processed within 90 days of enactment – giving immediate relief to businesses struggling with higher costs and helping keep prices lower for everyday consumers.
• Eliminate the need for individual applications or formal protests – removing bureaucratic hurdles so small businesses and families can actually access the refunds without extra cost, confusion, or delay.

Davids has consistently pushed back on the President’s blanket tariffs and supported bipartisan approaches to trade that balance competitiveness with consumer protection. She spoke during a U.S. House Agriculture Committee hearing on the trade disruptions Kansas agricultural producers will face due to these tariffs — a concern echoed by Kansas Farm Bureau President Joe Newland. She also visited a local toy store and manufacturer who are being hit hard by these unstable policies and hosted a press conference on her efforts to push back on tariffs. Most recently, she voted to end President Trump’s reckless tariffs on Canada, which are raising costs for Americans.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-21)

Last evening, March 18, Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-22) convened a Zoom briefing with special guest Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, bringing together more than 80 local elected officials, law enforcement personnel, and faith leaders in response to growing public concern about potential security threats.

“My office convened this briefing to encourage local officials and community leaders to work with law enforcement to assess potential risks, stay coordinated, and continue working together to keep Palm Beach County safe,” said Congresswoman Frankel.

Sheriff Bradshaw made it clear that there are no specific or credible threats to Palm Beach County at this time.

Bradshaw provided an update on Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office security protocols, interagency coordination, and preparedness efforts to address evolving threats—while maintaining public safety and minimizing disruptions to the community.

He underscored the critical role of municipal police departments in maintaining public safety, noting that his office remains in frequent communication with police chiefs across the county and stands ready to assist should any threats arise.

The Sheriff emphasized that residents and visitors should report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement. If you see something, say something!

Additional updates will be provided as needed.

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ben Cline (VA-06)

In a bipartisan letter to Secretary Marco Rubio, Rep. Ben Cline (R-VA), Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), and Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) urged the State Department to prioritize the case of American citizen Charles “Chuck” Zimmerman and called for a formal designation as “wrongfully detained” by the Russian government. The lawmakers also pressed for timely diplomatic efforts to secure his release after more than 250 days in Russian custody.

“We write to elevate the plight and wrongful detention of American Charles “Chuck” Zimmerman. A father of two, Navy veteran, master electrician, and sailor, Zimmerman has been held for more than 250 days at the time of this writing under what can only be described as politically retributive pretenses,” the lawmakers wrote. “We therefore ask that this case be made a priority for the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs so that the U.S. Government can work expeditiously towards his release.”

Read the full letter here or below:

Dear Secretary Rubio:

We write to elevate the plight and wrongful detention of American Charles “Chuck” Zimmerman. A father of two, Navy veteran, master electrician, and sailor, Zimmerman has been held for more than 250 days at the time of this writing under what can only be described as politically retributive pretenses.

Zimmerman’s passion for sailing and travel extended well past his time in the Navy, and he decided it was time to realize his dream of sailing the world in a 35’ sailboat with a course set for New Zealand. On his journey, he had made it all the way to the Mediterranean and decided to explore the Black Sea before sailing through the Suez Canal.

However, almost immediately upon entering the Black Sea via the Bosphorus Strait, the Russian Navy intercepted his boat in international waters. Upon arrival, Zimmerman voluntarily declared and surrendered a firearm onboard his boat meant for self-protection, a common practice among sailors.

Following the search and seizure of the vessel that would have yielded no material threat, the Russian government arrested Zimmerman, brought what can only be seen as political charges related to arms smuggling, and imposed a retributive five-year prison sentence.

Chief among our concerns is the denial of consular services, visits, or calls that could substantiate Zimmerman’s health and wellbeing. It is our understanding that no American official has seen him in over seven months. These concerns are elevated due to our understanding that he is currently imprisoned in penal colony IK-9, with a diet that supplements gruel with only one nutritionally dense meal of protein and vegetables per week, and without any confirmed allowance for exercise.

We therefore ask that this case be made a priority for the Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs so that the U.S. Government can work expeditiously towards his release. Additionally, we ask that your department designate Zimmerman as ‘wrongfully detained’ by the Russian government and continue to consider his case in the ongoing negotiations with the Russian government.

Congressman Ben Cline represents the Sixth Congressional District of Virginia. He previously was an attorney in private practice and served both as an assistant prosecutor and a Member of the Virginia House of Delegates. Cline and his wife, Elizabeth, live in Botetourt County with their two children.

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Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Mike Thompson Representing the 5th District of CALIFORNIA

Woodland, CA — Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) was joined by State Senator Christopher Cabaldon (CA-SD-03) for a roundtable discussion with local farmers, ranchers, processors, and agricultural leaders at the Yolo County Farm Bureau to discuss the challenges facing California’s agricultural community and how state and federal leaders can work together to support the industry.

“Our agricultural community is the backbone of our economy and the heart of our rural communities,” said Thompson. “Right now, farmers, ranchers, and processors are facing serious challenges and need stronger support from both federal and state leaders. Conversations like this ensure we’re hearing directly from the people who feed our country and help us identify how we can better support them and the work they do.”

“If you want to see resilience in action, go no farther than a California farm,” said Cabaldon. “We have our challenges including climate change, water, sustainability, tariffs, and labor. These are not small things. But as we take these issues on – we ‘re also breaking economic records like recently passing a $60 billion dollar revenue milestone in our agricultural sector. Things can get tough, but we will meet the challenges as we always do – with California grit, optimism and the world changing innovation we’re known for.”

Thompson and Cabaldon were joined by over 30 guests, including members of the California Farm Bureau, Sacramento Farm Bureau, Napa Farm Bureau, Yolo Farm Bureau, Solano Farm Bureau, Colusa Farm Bureau, and Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau and ag researchers from UC Davis, almond farmers, grape growers, peach growers, cattle ranchers, ag finance professionals, and others in the ag community.

BACKGROUND

California lost 400 farms in 2025 as growers, ranchers, producers, and processors faced rising operational costs and a shortage of workers largely caused by the President’s policies on immigration and his international trade war. These challenges come at a time when the ag community is already facing challenges accessing water and navigating regulations.

A long-time representative of rural ag communities and founder and co-chair of the Congressional Wine Caucus, Rep. Thompson recently introduced the Specialty Crop & Wine Producer Tariff Relief Act, legislation to provide direct support to specialty crop growers and wine producers facing economic losses from tariffs.

Read more about his work for the ag community here. 

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Marc Veasey (33rd District of Texas)

Headline: Congressman Veasey Leads Letter to ICE Demanding Answers on the Death of a Detainee

Dallas, Texas — Today, Congressman Marc Veasey (TX-33) sent a letter to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement regarding the recent death of Afghan father and former U.S military ally Mohammad Nazeer Paktiawal, raising concerns once again about the circumstances within these facilities.

In the letter, Congressman Veasey stated that he is requesting the Department of Homeland Security and ICE conduct a full and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Paktiawal’s death.

“Congress has a responsibility to oversee federal agencies, and I intend to continue pressing for accountability on behalf of Mr. Paktiawal, his family, and all those who trust our nation’s promises.”

This marks Rep. Veasey’s second letter to the Department of Homeland Security, to which he has yet to receive a response.

Rep. Veasey urges the Department of Homeland Security and ICE to treat this matter, as well as his prior unanswered inquiries, with the urgency, transparency, and seriousness it demands.

The full letter can be found here: 

 

Dear Acting Director Lyons:

I am writing to express my profound concern regarding the tragic death of Mohammad Nazeer

Paktiawal on March 14, 2026, following a stay that exceeded the eight-hour standard at the ICE

Processing Center in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Paktiawal, an Afghan father and military ally who served

alongside our servicemembers for more than two decades, died under circumstances that demand an

immediate, full, and transparent investigation. No family should have to endure the loss of a loved

one while in the custody of the federal government, especially one who stood shoulder to shoulder

with U.S. forces in Afghanistan.

During my recent visit to the ICE Processing Center in Dallas, officials assured me that individuals

held at the facility have access to basic care supplies and are generally detained no longer than eight

hours, except in rare circumstances. ICE’s lack of transparency and knack for distractions does not

assuage credible reports I have received indicating that individuals have been held at the facility for

extended periods – some for over a week, and as long as 11 days – with limited access to running

water, overcrowded holding rooms, and improper place to sleep. I raised these concerns in a previous

letter to your office, to which I have yet to receive a response.1 This lack of engagement and

transparency reflects a troubling pattern of inaction on issues I first raised more than eight months

ago.

According to ICE officials, Mr. Paktiawal had been in custody since the morning of Friday, March

13, 2026. He was transferred that evening, more than 8 hours later, to Parkland Hospital in Dallas,

where he was subsequently pronounced dead.2 While in a processing room at the ICE Field Office in

Dallas, he reportedly complained about shortness of breath and chest pains. After being transferred to

Parkland Hospital, he received breathing treatment and remained overnight in the hospital for

observation. Tragically, Mr. Paktiawal was declared dead the following morning despite multiple

lifesaving efforts.

Mr. Paktiawal’s death underscores a broader moral and strategic obligation. When individuals risk

their lives to assist the United States, we owe them safety, dignity, and fair treatment. Failing to

uphold these basic obligations sends a troubling signal to current and prospective allies abroad,

particularly in regions critical to U.S. national security, who may consider cooperating with U.S.

forces.

For these reasons, I formally request that the Department of Homeland Security and ICE conduct a

complete and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Paktiawal’s death. In

addition, I request a detailed accounting of custody procedures, detention times, and oversight

mechanisms currently in place at the Dallas facility.

Congress has a responsibility to oversee federal agencies, and I intend to continue pressing for

accountability on behalf of Mr. Paktiawal, his family, and all those who trust our nation’s promises. I

urge you to treat this matter, and my prior unanswered inquiries, with the urgency, transparency, and

seriousness it demands.

Sincerely,

Marc Veasey

Member of Congress

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, D.C.) – U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i-First) made the following comments on President Trump’s order today of a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act for shipping between U.S. ports of oil, natural gas, fertilizer and other energy commodities:

“President Trump’s waiver of the Jones Act is a no-brainer response to rapid increases in gas and other fossil fuel products from severe disruptions in international energy markets resulting from the Iran war.

“That we even have to waive the Jones Act to try to hold down skyrocketing fuel and other energy costs is a blanket admission of the Jones Act’s crippling effects on our economy, especially Hawai‘i and the other non-continent parts of our country (island territories and Alaska) that are wholly dependent on shipping.”

The Jones Act, a century-old federal maritime law, mandates that all cargo shipped between U.S. ports can only be shipped on U.S.-flagged vessels. Meanwhile, the vast majority of international-flagged vessels doing worldwide shipping are excluded from doing so. Additionally, with the number of oceangoing Jones Act vessels now well less than 100 country-wide, scarce and declining domestic shipping faces no competition from international shipping, driving up shipping prices nationwide.

This effect is especially severe for places like Hawai‘i which depend exclusively on shipping for over 90% of our goods, and where Jones Act shipping companies have developed virtual monopolies over a captive market and charge some of the highest shipping rates in the world. These are all passed down to Hawai‘i businesses and families as one of the primary drivers of our unacceptable high cost of living. A 2020 study estimated the cost of the Jones Act (the difference between high costs from the Jones Act monopoly passed down, and costs if shipping between Hawai‘i and the continent was open to the competition of international shipping) at almost $650 per year for each Hawai‘i resident.

Hawai‘i remains heavily dependent on fossil fuel products – crude oil, refined fuel and natural gas for energy and transportation, fertilizer for agriculture, and others – all of which must be shipped into Hawai‘i. Yet because the Jones Act restricts shipments of energy commodities from the continent, in normal periods Hawai‘i ends up sourcing most of its essential resources from foreign markets, where shipping is far cheaper. The constraints are stark: of the nearly 7,500 oil tankers operating worldwide, just 54 are Jones Act-compliant and permitted to ship fossil fuel products from the continent to Hawai‘i. Among oceangoing dry bulk vessels ideally suited for transporting fertilizer, not a single one qualifies.

As a result, despite being part of the United States, which is a net fossil fuel exporter, Hawai‘i normally sources only a small share of its energy from the continent. In 2024, just 16% of the oil used for electricity generation came from the continent, all carried on higher-cost Jones Act vessels, while the overwhelming majority was imported from abroad at lower cost.

However, the Iran war has disrupted these normal operations in numerous ways that further affect Hawai‘i negatively. First, international oil distribution and supply has been disrupted and countries that are normally exporting product are holding their product home for domestic supplies, requiring Hawai’i to rely far more heavily on domestic fossil fuel products. Second, the domestic Jones Act tanker fleet is devoted elsewhere and largely not available to transport substantially increased fuel supplies from the continent to Hawai‘i.

The President’s 60-day waiver temporarily lifts the Jones Act restrictions for shipments of energy commodities from the continent to Hawai‘i, thus allowing international shipping to continue domestic supply shipping to Hawai‘i.

“President Trump’s Jones Act waiver is important to maintain fuel imports to Hawai’i at a time when we must rely far more on domestic supply while the capacity of domestic shipping has declined, and it certainly shines a high-beam spotlight on the crippling effects of the Jones Act on the cost of living for island and other non-continent parts of our country,” said Case.

“But make no mistake: That alone will not reduce prices; it will just mitigate further increases the longer these disruptions continue. It is the President’s war in Iran itself that is the overall driver of huge increases in gas, electricity, food and other costs to Hawai‘i families because of the disruption in both international energy supplies and worldwide shipping.”

In the current 119^th Congress, Case again introduced legislation to reform the Jones Act and open up Hawai‘i – continent shipping to international competition. Case’s February 14, 2025, press release on introduction of his current measures is here: https://case.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3520.

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