U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has introduced legislation intended to boost the country’s shipbuilding.
The Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act was introduced last week with both Democratic and Republican support.
This piece of legislation looks to revitalize the country’s shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.
Regarding the SHIPS Act, Baldwin said, “When it comes to shipbuilding, China has been eating our lunch. While Wisconsin workers and shipbuilding companies produce world-class vessels, we have failed to invest in this industry and set these workers up for success.”
She continued, “Currently, there are U.S. vessels in international commerce compared to 5,500 for China. The bipartisan-backed legislation will also look to make U.S.-flagged vessels competitive in global commerce by “cutting red tape, rebuilding the U.S. Shipyard industrial base, and expanding and strengthening mariner and shipyard worker recruitment, training, and retention.”
The bill is led by Senators Mark Kelly of Arizona and Todd Young representing Indiana and co-sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski of Arkansas and Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman.
