Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Chairman Trent Kelly said on Apr. 22 that the United States can no longer afford to be complacent about shipbuilding, emphasizing the need for immediate action to revitalize the nation’s maritime industrial base.
Kelly addressed a hearing focused on strengthening shipbuilding and the broader maritime sector, highlighting collaboration with colleagues from both the Seapower Subcommittee and the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. He thanked Chairman Mike Ezell and Ranking Member Salud Carbajal for their partnership, noting that such cooperation is crucial given current challenges facing U.S. ship production.
“We can no longer afford to be complacent; we are far behind our near peer competitors when it comes to the pace of getting hulls in the water,” Kelly said during his prepared remarks. He pointed out that inconsistent demand has led to increased costs and disrupted production schedules, which is why he is leading efforts with Congressman Garamendi on legislation known as the SHIPS Act aimed at providing stable demand signals and long-term investment.
Kelly also stressed that there are only eighty U.S.-crewed and U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce today, with military shipbuilding programs lagging behind those of competitors. He called for a new sealift program for the Department of the Navy involving new construction rather than procuring used vessels, stating this would support both military needs and commercial industry growth.
The House Armed Services Committee oversees national defense programs including those related to military affairs under its jurisdiction as defined by Rule X of the U.S. House Rules and Manual, according to its official website. The committee includes members such as Representatives Joe Wilson, Michael R. Turner, Robert J. Wittman, with Rep. Mike Rogers serving as chair during recent Congresses according to its official website. The committee influences legislation through processes like funding authorizations in measures such as the National Defense Authorization Act according to its official website.
Kelly concluded by recognizing reforms made through recent defense authorization laws but emphasized ongoing work: “Reviving our commercial and military shipbuilding is a complex challenge, one that we must attack from multiple different angles.” He expressed eagerness to hear further suggestions from witnesses at the hearing.