US Lawmakers Criticise EU For Using Social Media To Undermine Jones Act

Shipping — Image for representation purposes only

Bipartisan leaders from the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee have strongly criticised the European Union (EU) for attempting to influence Amercian maritime policy through unconventional lobbying efforts.

Lawmakers have expressed concern that the EU is trying to weaken the Jones Act, which is an important law protecting the U.S. commercial shipbuilding industry, by funding social media campaigns instead of engaging through proper diplomatic channels.

In a letter addressed to EU Ambassador to the United States, Jovita Neliupsiene, congressional leaders raised alarms about a recent Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) filing.

The filing revealed that the EU financed a U.S. firm to create short, engaging videos similar to TikTok content, designed to criticise the Jones Act. After the filing was made public, the lobbying document was quickly removed.

The letter was signed by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO), Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-WA), Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA).

The lawmakers argued that the EU’s actions are beyond normal trade discussions and amount to an attempt to influence U.S. policy through social media advocacy rather than formal negotiations.

According to the committee leaders, the EU’s campaign involved working with undisclosed U.S. organisations and social media influencers to spread criticism of the Jones Act.

Lawmakers expressed concerns that these tactics undermine public trust in U.S. federal laws and policies. The Jones Act, formally known as 46 U.S.C. 55102, requires that ships used for domestic trade be owned, built, and crewed by Americans.

The law is considered essential for maintaining a strong U.S. maritime industry, ensuring supply chain security and supporting national defense by preserving domestic shipbuilding capabilities.

The committee members urged the EU to stop trying to bypass traditional diplomatic processes and warned against further attempts to weaken the Jones Act through indirect means.

They said that the law is critical role in protecting U.S. economic and national security.

Reference: Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure

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