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According to a Reuters report, insider sources revealed that the White House is expected to extend the Jones Act waiver in the coming days to utilize one of the few available tools to attempt to lower gasoline prices. The Jones Act requires that goods transported between U.S. ports must be carried by vessels that are built in the United States, owned by American companies, and operated by American workers. The oil industry initially expected the waiver to be extended before the end of July, but sources indicated that government officials have been continuing discussions with shipping industry representatives and lawmakers about possible adjustments to narrow the scope of the waiver while maintaining flexibility for transporting key fuel supplies. The current waiver is set to expire on August 16, marking the longest suspension period in the history of the program as defined by the Jones Act. According to U.S. government data, the waiver has been utilized nearly 200 times in the last four and a half months as of the end of July. Those opposing the extension are pushing for regional restrictions and enhanced scrutiny of each shipment. Key Republican lawmakers have urged the government to limit the waiver's scope and have warned that the widespread use of the waiver could undermine the strength of the U.S. domestic fleet and jeopardize the national security objectives of the Act.