Trump to extend Jones Act waiver to lower US gas prices

The White House is expected to extend a record-long Jones Act waiver in coming days to ease rising gasoline prices, now averaging over $4 a gallon. The Jones Act normally requires U.S.-built, owned, and crewed ships for domestic cargo; the waiver lets more tankers carry fuel. It expires August 16 and has been used nearly 200 times. Officials are discussing narrowing its scope. Critics, including Republican leaders and maritime groups, warn broad waivers weaken U.S. fleet and national security. Experts estimate impact at pennies per gallon, while Trump has also accused oil companies of profiting excessively.