Ships for America, Act

#ShipsforAmericaAct

#USNavy

#USS

The SHIPS for America Act (formally the "Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act") is a comprehensive, bipartisan legislative package introduced in the U.S.

Senate and a companion bill, the "Building SHIPS in America Act," in the House of Representatives.

It aims to revitalize the United States' shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.

Here are the key objectives and provisions of the SHIPS for America Act:

* Boost the U.S. Merchant Marine: The act seeks to significantly increase the number of U.S.-flagged vessels participating in international commerce, with an ambitious goal of adding 250 new ships to the U.S. international fleet over the next decade.

* Establish National Oversight and Funding: It aims to provide consistent funding and national oversight for U.S. maritime policy, including the establishment of a Maritime Security Advisor within the White House and an interagency Maritime Security Board to coordinate a National Maritime Strategy.

* Enhance Commercial Competitiveness: The bill proposes to make U.S.-flagged vessels more competitive globally by cutting red tape and addressing regulatory burdens.

This includes establishing a Rulemaking Committee on Commercial Maritime Regulations and Standards within the Coast Guard.

* Rebuild U.S. Shipyard Industrial Base: A central focus is on investing in and rebuilding the U.S. shipbuilding capacity, including financial incentives for shipbuilding and assistance for small shipyards.

* Strengthen Maritime Workforce: The act includes provisions to promote and recruit maritime workers, allocate additional funding to the U.S.

Merchant Marine Academy and State Maritime Academies, and address licensing issues.

* Increase Cargo Preference: It proposes to raise the percentage of U.S. government cargo that must sail on U.S.-flagged vessels from 50% to 100% and establish a commercial cargo preference, requiring a portion of all cargo imported into the U.S. from certain countries (like China) to be on U.S.-flagged vessels within 15 years.

* Strategic Commercial Fleet Program: A core element is the creation of a Strategic Commercial Fleet Program to support U.S.-built, U.S.-flagged, and U.S.-crewed vessels that can serve both commercial operations and be available for national defense needs.

* Address Foreign Competition: It includes measures such as imposing penalty duties on vessels linked to foreign entities or shipyards of concern, specifically mentioning China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

In essence, the SHIPS for America Act is a bold attempt to address the decline in U.S. maritime strength, reduce reliance on foreign shipping, and bolster national security and economic interests by fostering a robust domestic maritime industry.