Donald Trump’s pick to run the transport department, Elaine Chao, has vowed to uphold the Jones Act, the US’s long held legislation that keeps local shipping and shipbuilding jobs in place.
Chao, who served as labour secretary under President George W Bush from 2001 to 2009, told politicians today: “The Jones Act is the law of the land, and it will be obeyed unless the Congress changes its mind on that.”
Chao also promised to take an interest in upping the spend on the United States Merchant Marine Academy if appointed to transport secretary.
Chao’s father, James Chao, is founder of the Foremost Group, an international shipping company.
