Puerto Rico's Hurricane Maria Death Toll Rises to 43, Lawmakers Seek Longer Jones Act Waiver

Source: NBC - Washington




By Matthew Daly

The number of deaths in Puerto Rico associated with Hurricane Maria has increased to 43 from 39, Gov. Ricardo Rosselló said Tuesday, as Republicans and Democrats in Congress push to exempt the island from a federal law that prohibits foreign-flagged ships from shuttling goods between U.S. ports.

President Donald Trump temporarily waived the Jones Act last month amid criticism that the once-obscure law hindered relief efforts to in Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.

The 10-day waiver expired on Sunday night and was not renewed. A spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security said an extension was not needed to support relief efforts on the island, adding that there's "an ample supply" of U.S.-flagged vessels to ensure cargo reaches Puerto Rico.

Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said Monday that the expiration of the Jones Act waiver added renewed urgency to his push to permanently exempt Puerto Rico from what he called an "archaic and burdensome law."




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