Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee Chairman Trent Kelly said on Apr. 22 that the United States must address significant challenges in its shipbuilding and maritime industrial base, urging for stronger government action and collaboration across sectors.
Kelly's remarks came during a hearing focused on revitalizing the nation's shipbuilding capacity, which he described as being in "dire straits" due to years of inconsistent demand from both government and commercial sectors. He highlighted the need for long-term investment through initiatives like the SHIPS Act, which aims to provide more stable demand signals and support structural improvements.
"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. He noted that while U.S. vessels maintain high quality standards, their numbers lag behind international counterparts: "There are currently just eighty U.S.-crewed and U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce, and our military shipbuilding programs are slower and more hampered than those of our near peer competitors and even our allies."
Kelly also stressed the importance of a new sealift program for the Department of the Navy, arguing that procuring used vessels is insufficient: "A new construction program for militarily useful sealift can support close follow construction efforts for commercial industry vessels, reinforcing the SHIPS Act’s approach of aligning commercial shipbuilding capacity with national defense requirements." He welcomed recent reforms such as those included in last year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) as well as White House initiatives encouraging investment in maritime infrastructure but stated that further efforts are needed at all levels.
The House Armed Services Committee oversees national defense programs—including matters related to military affairs—under jurisdiction defined by Rule X of the U.S. House Rules and Manual according to its official website. The committee has influenced legislation through measures like community project funding within NDAA processes according to its official website.
Mike Rogers served as chair of this committee during recent congressional sessions according to its official website, which also includes members such as Joe Wilson, Michael R. Turner, and Robert J. Wittman according to its official website. The committee falls under congressional oversight responsibilities related to national defense according to its official website.
Kelly concluded by emphasizing broad participation: "Reviving our commercial and military shipbuilding is a complex challenge, one that we must attack from multiple different angles." He invited suggestions from witnesses at the hearing on how best to move forward.
