NEW ORLEANS, April 24, 2026 — The Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA) today responded to the White House’s actions to extend the Jones Act waiver by 90 days, warning that the anticipated action would undercut American maritime investment and jobs while failing to deliver the promised cost savings for U.S. consumers.
“The Jones Act is the foundation of the American maritime industry, ensuring that U.S. domestic cargo movement supports American workers, vessels, shipyards, and the industrial base our Navy relies on,” said Aaron Smith, President of OMSA. “Extending this waiver undermines that foundation by signaling that American ships can be sidelined, driving away the long-term investment, possibly permanently.”
The waiver has not lowered fuel or food prices and instead has shifted opportunity to foreign vessel operators at the expense of American workers and national security interests.
“The initial waiver has not reduced gasoline prices, rather prices have increased in every U.S.market while benefiting NATO countries that have refused to support U.S. military operations,” added Smith. “To put it simply, a waiver extension sells out our American maritime industry and the foundation of our Navy to benefit oil traders and foreign shippers. Now is the time we should strengthen U.S. maritime capacity, not weaken it.”
Interviews with OMSA President and CEO Aaron Smith are available upon request. OMSA will continue to monitor the situation as it evolves. Hear directly from America’s mariners and domestic operators here.
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About the Offshore Marine Service Association (OMSA)
OMSA is the advocate for the offshore marine transportation service industry in the United States. The Association represents 170-member companies and their 12,000 U.S. employees based throughout the U.S.
Media Contact:
Anna Stallmann
omsa@ascentcomms.com