Lawmakers introduce new shipbuilding legislation in Congress
A group of lawmakers has reintroduced a proposal to further bolster the shipbuilding industry in the United States.
By Michael McGrady, Maritime Direct Americas & Pacific Correspondent
WASHINGTON — Rep. John Garamendi, a Democrat from California, is leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers by reintroducing the “Energizing American Shipbuilding Act.” According to a press statement, the bill is “bipartisan and bicameral” with the intention to “recapitalize America’s strategic domestic shipbuilding and maritime industries by requiring that increasing percentages of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil exports be transported on U.S.-built, flagged, and crewed vessels.”
“U.S. exports of America’s LNG and crude oil resources present a unique opportunity to create new middle-class jobs by strengthening our nation’s crucial domestic shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing, and maritime industries—which are key to national security and our ability to project American military power abroad,” said Garamendi, in a statement published on March 11, 2021.
“American shipyards and mariners are ready for the job, and our bill ensures American workers are no longer expected to compete against heavily subsidized foreign shipyards in Korea, China, and elsewhere. Our domestic maritime industry is critically important to the U.S. economy and our national security, and I will work tirelessly until this bill becomes law.” Garamendi said.
Sens. Roger F. Wicker, a Republican representing Mississippi, and Robert P. Casey, Jr., a Democrat representing Pennsylvania, introduced the Senate version of the Energizing American Shipbuilding Act.
Stay tuned for more updates on the legislation moving forward.
