HCR10

Dear Chairman Moffett, This testimony represents my views and the views and interests of my constituents in Grafton 18. My testimony is not made on behalf of any private employer nor should it be construed to represent the views of any of my employers. I support this resolution and strongly support the repeal of the Jones Act. I ask that the honorable members of the committee consider an amendment to the resolution so that it reads as below, and I urge the committee to recommend this resolution OTP. Representative Donald McFarlane Orange STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE   In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Twenty Five   A RESOLUTION calling for the repeal of the Jones Act.   Whereas, for over 100 years, the federal law enacted by the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 and known as the Jones Act has restricted water transportation of cargo between U.S. ports to ships that are U.S.-owned, U.S.-crewed, U.S.-registered, and U.S.-built to the detriment of national security considerations, and Whereas, the U.S. economy endures artificially inflated shipping costs because the transport of cargo between U.S. ports and within the country’s vast inland waterways is off-limits to foreign competition and domestic shipping firms must pay vastly higher prices for the ships they use, and Whereas, mandating the use of domestic tankers to transport oil significantly increases energy costs, and Whereas, New Hampshire and the broader New England region face significant energy supply challenges due to the federal and regional restrictions on natural gas infrastructure which have led to a lack of adequate pipeline infrastructure from the Marcellus Shale, and whereas the Jones Act prevents the shipment of domestically produced liquefied natural gas (LNG) from U.S. export terminals to New England, forcing New Hampshire to rely on higher-cost foreign LNG despite the United States being the world’s leading LNG producer; and leading to an over-reliance on imported liquefied natural gas (LNG) at high global market prices, hindering reliable and affordable energy delivery, increasing costs and price volatility for consumers and businesses, and threatening grid stability during peak demand periods; and Whereas, these federal policies directly undermine New Hampshire’s economic and energy security, driving up costs for households and businesses while increasing dependence on foreign energy sources; and Whereas, by forcing more carbon-intensive surface transportation methods into use, the Jones Act is responsible for creating unnecessary environmental costs, and Whereas, artificially inflated waterborne shipping rates increase demand for alternative forms of transportation, including trucking, rail, and pipeline services, raising those modes’ rates and inflating business costs throughout the supply chain, and Whereas, the Jones Act promotes protectionism at the expense of competition causing the American shipbuilding industry to fail to keep pace with demands and requirements; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House or Representatives, the Senate concurring: That the New Hampshire General Court supports a termination of the Jones Act, an immediate waiver of the Jones Act for fuel shipments to New England, and to cease obstructing necessary LNG pipeline infrastructure expansion, thereby ensuring a reliable, affordable, and domestically sourced energy supply for New Hampshire residents, and that copies of this resolution be delivered to the president of the United States, the majority and minority leaders in both houses of Congress, to the New Hampshire congressional delegation, and to the governor of the state of New Hampshire.

I am writing to express my support for NH HCR10. This resolution urges Congress to increase federal funding for special education services, which is crucial for alleviating the financial burden on local districts and reducing property taxes in New Hampshire. The current shortfall in federal funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) has placed a significant strain on our local communities. By addressing this issue, NH HCR10 will ensure that our schools have the necessary resources to provide quality education to all students, including those with disabilities, without overburdening taxpayers. I strongly believe that increasing federal funding for special education is essential for promoting educational equity and reducing the financial strain on local districts. I urge the committee to support NH HCR10 and help secure the necessary funding for our schools and communities.

1000% support this. Is three an opportunity to collaborate with other States on this? I suggest striking lines 9 and 10 because there is no data to support this statement AND the new Administration is moving away from this aspect. Also suggest modifying line 1, and strike 100 and use 125 years (although it's a few months short yet) Consider adding the words somewhere that the Jones Act is outdated? Or maybe just ask The Governor to ask Trump if he can direct Kristi Noem to provide blanket waivers (for which she has the authority) Good Luck, the entire country needs this to go!

I enthusiastically support erasing Jones Act. This artifact of history has not only out-lived its purpose but is presently an artificial cause of high pricing goods.

Position recorded without written comment.

Position recorded without written comment.

Position recorded without written comment.