Lines and TOTE handle about 75 percent of the waterborne cargo between Tacoma to Alaska. Thanks to the Jones Act, they use vessels built in the U.S. and manned by Americans -- but that could change if McCain succeeds in repealing the Jones Act.
Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain has introduced legislation that would repeal the Jones Act, which requires that goods moved between U.S. ports such as Tacoma and Anchorage be moved in ships built in the U.S., owned by Americans, and manned by American crews.
Detractors say new legislation – if approved – could potentially leave U.S. crews jobless.