Galloway, N.J. — A panel of distinguished experts from the U.S. military, think tanks and academia will discuss the Jones Act and its critical role regarding America’s national security interests and our role in the global economy today.

“American National Security, Trade Policy and the Jones Act” will take place at 6 p.m., March 4, at the Campus Center Theatre in an event sponsored by the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University. Admission is free.

The U.S. Naval Institute and others agree that the Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, remains pivotal in the discussion of U.S. maritime policy and naval strategy, trade policy, disaster assistance and more.

Rear Admiral Kevin M. Sweeney (former Chief of Staff to Secretary of Defense James N. Mattis) will serve as moderator, and panelists include Paul S. Koffsky (former Senior Deputy General Counsel of the Department of Defense), Colin Grabow (Associate Director at the Cato Institute’s Herbert A. Stiefel Center for Trade Policy Studies), and Stockton student Camille Benoit (a senior Political Science major and President of the Model UN) with opening remarks from William J. Hughes, Jr. (Principal, Porzio, Bromberg & Newman, P.C).

The William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy at Stockton University researches public policy and economic issues, fosters public discussion, and promotes civic engagement in New Jersey. The Center provides a forum for public discussion of policy issues to engage citizens and policymakers.