Bipartisan legislation recently reintroduced in Congress would bolster the U.S. Merchant Marines.
The Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act would boost the U.S. Merchant Marine by establishing national oversight and consistent funding for U.S. maritime policy.
“America has been a maritime nation since our founding, and sea power was a significant contributor to our rise to being the most powerful nation on earth,” Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), who co-introduced the bill, said. “Unfortunately, the bottom line now is America needs more ships. Shipbuilding is a national security priority and a stopgap against foreign threats and coercion. Our bill will revitalize the U.S. maritime industry, grow our shipbuilding capacity, rebuild America’s shipyard industrial base, and support nationwide workforce development in this industry. This legislation is critical to our warfighting capabilities and keeping pace with China.”
The Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act would establish a position of Maritime Security Advisor within the White House to lead an interagency Maritime Security Board that would make strategic decisions for how to implement a National Maritime Strategy.
It would create the Strategic Commercial Fleet Program to expand the U.S.-flag international fleet by 250 ships in 10 years.
It would establish a 25 percent investment tax credit for shipyard investments.