What to know about the Jones Act as Trump considers a waiver during the Iran war

As the U.S. and Israel’s war against Iran continues to upend energy markets and supply chains worldwide, the Trump administration says it might suspend maritime shipping requirements under a more than century-old law known as the Jones Act

NEW YORK -- As the U.S. and Israel's war against Iran continues to upend energy markets and supply chains worldwide, the Trump administration says it might suspend maritime shipping requirements under a more than century-old law known as the Jones Act.

The Jones Act requires that goods hauled between U.S. ports be moved on U.S.-flagged vessels. Passed in 1920, this law aims to protect the American shipping sector — but it's also faced criticism over the years for slowing the delivery of goods, including critical aid during time of crisis. And it’s often blamed for making gas, in particular, more expensive.

The White House confirmed that it was looking into waiving Jones Act requirements this week, in a temporary measure that would arrive amid wider efforts to counter steep oil prices and cargo disruptions due to the war.

Here's what we know.

The Jones Act's official name is the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. Congress passed the law — sponsored Sen. Wesley Jones of Washington state — in an effort to rebuild U.S. shipping after German U-boats decimated America’s merchant flee during World War I.