Bipartisan Group of 119 Representatives and Senators
Support SHIPS Act Provisions in House-Passed Defense Bill
Please click here to read the letter in support of the SHIPS Act Provisions.
A bipartisan group of senators and representatives is asking leaders of the House and Senate to ensure key provisions of the SHIPS for America Act are included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2027. The legislators said the House-passed bill already includes provisions that are necessary to the revitalization of the maritime industry but left out SHIPS Act provisions that are essential to national security. “Strengthening the U.S. maritime industry is critical to ensure our country’s economic and national security,” they wrote in an Oct. 29 letter to leaders in the Senate and House. “China, Korea and Japan build over 90% of the world’s ships by tonnage, while the United States builds less than 1%. “In international commerce there are currently fewer than 100 U.S.-flagged ships while it is estimated that China has more than 5,500. “Investments in U.S. commercial shipping, shipyards, and workforce are needed to both eliminate our dependence on foreign adversaries like China and enhance our economic and national security. “The SHIPS for America Act aims to close this gap and boost the U.S. maritime industry by establishing national oversight and long-term U.S. maritime policy, making U.S.-flagged vessels commercially competitive in international commerce, rebuilding the U.S. shipyard industrial base, and expanding and strengthening mariner and shipyard worker recruitment, training, and retention. “Especially should the United States enter a prolonged conflict, a robust Merchant Marine, outfitted with U.S. shipping vessels manned by American mariners, would be critical for addressing any potential logistical challenges associated with the transportation of supplies. “It is not just us that want to see America become a competitor in the maritime industry. “Key stakeholders across this industry, including commercial carriers, maritime unions and shipping associations, as well as this administration agree that federal action is needed to bring life back to the U.S. shipbuilding and commercial maritime industry. “The inclusion of provisions of the SHIPS for America Act in H.R. 8800 was agreed to unanimously in the United States House of Representatives and takes a necessary first step to boosting American shipbuilding. “Now, we ask that these provisions be retained and strengthened in the final National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027.” We appreciate your attention to this important national and economic security issue. The letter was sent to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.
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