Bipartisan Group Proposes $25 Billion in Shipyard Improvements (Re: Shipbuilders Council of America)
In the News
A bipartisan congressional group has introduced a $25 billion shipyard improvement bill that will provide $21 billion for the Navy’s four public shipyards. The bill, proposed by a group of senators and congressmen who represent states and districts near the shipyards, also includes $4 billion for the nation’s private shipyards.
Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Susan Collins (R-ME), Angus King (I-ME), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Mike Gallagher (R-WI) introduced the bill, titled the “Supplying Help to Infrastructure in Ports, Yards, and America’s Repair Docks (SHIPYARD) Act of 2021.”
The Navy has been working on a $21 billion, 20-year Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Plan to revitalize its public shipyards. Following congressional criticism that the plan’s timeline is too long, Vice Adm. William Galinis, head of Naval Sea Systems Command, said last month the service is considering accelerating the plan.
The bill invests $21 billion to fund the SIOP; $2 billion for commercial repair shipyards, subcontractors, and suppliers to maintain the fleet; and $2 billion for commercial new construction shipyards, subcontractors, and suppliers to build the future fleet. The bill will be funded through the Defense Production Act, which would enable the Navy secretary to accelerate contract awards.