North Indy News

U.S. Senators Todd Young (R-Ind.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) have called for urgent action to strengthen the U.S. maritime industry following recent government shutdown disruptions. In a letter published in the Wall Street Journal, the senators highlighted concerns about the current state of Navy shipbuilding programs and compared U.S. production rates unfavorably with China.

The senators referenced comments made by Secretary John Phelan, who described existing shipbuilding programs as “a mess,” noting they are “behind schedule and overbudget.” They pointed out that China is increasing its naval capacity at a much faster rate, building six naval combatant ships for every 1.8 constructed by the United States.

Despite these challenges, Young and Kelly see growing bipartisan support for change. They cited President Trump’s executive order from earlier this year, titled “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” which aims to improve the U.S. maritime sector and strengthen cooperation with allies.

Young and Kelly also introduced the Ships for America Act in Congress. This bipartisan bill is designed to accelerate the construction of new U.S.-flagged vessels, rebuild domestic shipyards, and expand recruitment, training, and retention programs for mariners and shipyard workers. The senators stated that passing this legislation would create thousands of jobs while signaling renewed commitment to American commercial maritime strength.

“There’s momentum to pass our bill and send a message that the U.S. is serious about revitalizing our commercial maritime industries and countering China’s dominance over the oceans,” they wrote.

They concluded their letter by urging Congress to prioritize passage of their bill once government operations resume: “Why not make it a first order of business when the government reopens? Time isn’t our ally.”

Senator Mark Kelly signed from Tucson, Arizona; Senator Todd Young signed from Bargersville, Indiana.