The introduction of the SHIPS for America Act seeks to rebuild the U.S. maritime industry, with its goal of reducing reliance on foreign ships. The legislation seeks to combine economic and national security objectives by expanding America’s commercial fleet, modernizing shipyards and bolstering the maritime workforce.
In letters to each of the legislative architects of this bill, Rossetti further explained ALA’s support of the bill. “As a nation, our maritime industry has long been a cornerstone of economic strength and military readiness,” said ALA President Steve Rossetti.
“The Act’s multifaceted approach — including expanding the U.S.-flagged commercial fleet, modernizing shipyards, bolstering the maritime workforce, and enhancing strategic sealift capabilities — aligns with our mission to support a robust and resilient supply chain for our armed forces around the world and the nation,” he said.
“Key provisions such as establishing a maritime security adviser, creating a Maritime Security Trust Fund, and offering financial incentives for shipyard investments are innovative and necessary steps toward achieving these goals,” he noted.
Rossetti said that the legislation’s focus on workforce development through recruitment campaigns, investments in maritime academies, and modernization of mariner credentialing systems “is particularly noteworthy. These initiatives will create good-paying jobs, attract skilled workers to the industry, and ensure a pipeline of talent to meet the demands of both commercial and military maritime operations.”
While Rossetti stated that the association “fully recognizes” that the SHIPS for America Act must compete with other high-priority legislative initiatives, “we believe this is an important commitment to improving military readiness by enhancing strategic sealift vessels [which] underscores its importance to national security.
“An expanded commercial fleet that complements military assets ensures the U.S. can respond effectively to crises and maintain a secure and reliable supply chain.
“With bipartisan backing from lawmakers, labor unions, port authorities, and industry groups, this legislation will strengthen America as a leader in maritime security.
“We urge Congress to prioritize the SHIPS for America Act during the legislative cycle. … We stand ready to support your efforts to advance this critical legislation and look forward to working together to secure its passage.”
The bill was sponsored by four legislators on both sides of the aisle — Democratic legislators Sen. Mark Kelly (Ariz.) and Rep. John Garamendi (Calif.) and Republican lawmakers Sen. Todd Young (Ind.) and Rep. Trent Kelly (Miss.).
Sen. Kelly is one of the original architects of the bill, along with Rep. Mike Waltz (R-Fla.), who is leaving Congress to become President-elect Donald Trump’s national security adviser.
The bill has garnered support from nearly 80 labor unions, port authorities and industry groups, including ALA.
“However, we face significant challenges today, with global shipping dominated by foreign powers, particularly China, which operates a fleet of over 5,500 vessels compared to the U.S. fleet of just 80,” he noted. “The SHIPS for America Act provides a strategic and comprehensive solution to address this imbalance, combining economic and national security objectives to ensure the United States remains a maritime leader.”
Insiders state that since the bill has bipartisan backing, it makes it a strong contender to be included in the Fiscal 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The legislation sets a goal of adding 250 U.S.-flagged vessels to the 187 that currently exist within a decade by introducing financial incentives — such as a 25-percent tax credit for shipyard investments — and cuts through red tape for construction projects.
The bill also requires part of U.S.-funded cargo to be transported on American vessels, and starting in 2029, gradually shifts some imports from China to U.S.-flagged ships.
In addition, the bill proposes a national recruitment campaign and investments in the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and state maritime academies. It also modernizes mariner credentialing systems to streamline the hiring and retaining of skilled workers.
The bill also aims to help military readiness by improving strategic sealift vessels, a fleet of ships used to transport supplies during crises. The expanded commercial fleet would complement existing military assets, ensuring the U.S. can respond effectively to national security needs.
Finally, the bill would establish a maritime security adviser — a White House position to oversee maritime policy and
strategy — who would lead efforts to boost the number of U.S.-flagged ships, improve shipyard capacity and coordinate workforce training programs.
The bill would also create a Maritime Security Trust Fund, which would reinvest industry-generated fees into shipbuilding and maritime infrastructure.
The Ships For America Act can be accessed at
https://www.kelly.senate.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/BOM24565.pdf.
ALA’s Larry Lapka contributed to this article.
