U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries, has announced a hearing focused on revitalizing commercial shipbuilding in the United States. The session, titled “Sea Change: Reviving Commercial Shipbuilding,” is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. EST.
The hearing will explore strategies to modernize and expand U.S. commercial shipbuilding capabilities while strengthening the broader maritime industrial base. Testimony will be provided by representatives from private industry and policy experts specializing in federal maritime procurement. Discussion topics will include President Trump’s initiatives within the National Security Council aimed at boosting domestic shipbuilding as part of an upcoming Maritime Action Plan.
Senator Sullivan stated:
“Our nation faces a critical strategic challenge as foreign competitors, especially China, lead global shipbuilding while our domestic capacity remains very limited. This hearing will be an important step toward understanding the obstacles and identifying policy solutions to rebuild a robust, competitive U.S. shipbuilding industry—one that supports good-paying American jobs, strengthens our maritime workforce, and ensures our national security in key regions like the Arctic. I look forward to working with my colleagues, industry leaders, and experts to restore American maritime dominance.”
Senator Cruz commented:
“Texas is a maritime powerhouse. Our ports drive commerce, support thousands of jobs, and serve as a critical frontline for national security. I was proud to help secure a deal to build three icebreakers in Galveston, the single largest increase in U.S. shipbuilding capacity in decades, which will support a projected 7,000 skilled Texas jobs. I look forward to continuing to advance President Trump’s vision to restore American maritime dominance.”
Witnesses scheduled for the hearing include Matt Paxton (President of Shipbuilders Council of America), Jeff Vogel (Vice President of Legal at TOTE Services), and Dr. Salvatore Mercogliano (Professor at Campbell University). An additional witness may be announced later.
The event will take place in Russell Senate Office Building Room 253 and can be viewed live via the committee website or YouTube channel.
Reporters interested in attending are advised to contact their respective media galleries for RSVP information.
