Representative José Varela introduced a concurrent resolution on 2026-04-12 requesting that the U.S. Congress exempt Puerto Rico from the cabotage restrictions established under the 1920 Jones Act. ^[1] Representative José Varela stated that the measure is not requesting privileged treatment but rather equal conditions, arguing that the restrictions represent an obstacle to economic development for Pacific U.S. territories. ^[2] The resolution seeks to ensure Puerto Rico is explicitly included in any future federal legislation that relaxes or eliminates cabotage restrictions for other non-contiguous U.S. territories, particularly those in the Pacific. ^[3] Representative José Varela stated that the cost of crewing under the Jones Act provisions can be significantly higher than for crews outside that regime. ^[4] Héctor Ferrer Santiago emphasized that after more than a century, it is necessary to review the application of the Jones Act to Puerto Rico to reduce costs associated with maritime transport. ^[5]