Shipbuilders: McCain amendment would "gut" industry
The language in McCain's amendment removes the requirement that vessels that operate exclusively in American waters be built in the U.S. The mandate is part of the Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act, which Congress passed in 1920. Beyond U.S. construction, the law also requires that ships subject to it be American-owned and crewed by U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
https: //www.clarionledger.com/story/businessledger/2015/01/20/shipbuilding-john-mccain-keystone/22050019/