Rep. Case is advocating for a shipping exception for Hawaii under the Jones Act, which mandates that cargo between U.S. ports be carried only by U.S.-flagged vessels.
His goal is to reduce the high cost of living in Hawaii by introducing competition in shipping rates, which he argues are inflated due to the lack of competition caused by the Act. Case highlights the rising cost of everyday goods like eggs, which are significantly more expensive in Hawaii due to these shipping monopolies.
By proposing an exemption, he hopes to lower shipping costs and alleviate financial pressures on residents.
The bill is co-sponsored by Rep. James Moylan from Guam, and together, they argue that the current law disproportionately impacts island states like Hawaii.
In addition, Rep. Case is critical of recent actions under the Trump Administration, particularly the reduction of USDA workers overseeing the bird flu outbreak, which has impacted egg production.
He also voiced concerns about the lack of congressional checks on executive power, which he feels leaves the judicial branch to carry the responsibility of holding the administration accountable.
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