Senator Baldwin Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Boost American Shipbuilding, Support American Workers and Boost National Security

WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and a bipartisan group of her colleagues introduced theShipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act,comprehensive legislation to revitalize the United States shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries.
“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,”said Senator Baldwin. “I am proud to work with my Democratic and Republican colleagues to revitalize our shipbuilding industry because this will not only keep our country safe, but it will create good paying jobs and support American workers and businesses.”
There are currently 80 U.S.-flagged vessels in international commerce while China has 5,500. TheSHIPS for America Actaims to close this gap and boost the U.S. Merchant Marine by establishing national oversight and consistent funding for U.S. maritime policy, making U.S.-flagged vessels commercially competitive in international commerce by cutting red tape, rebuilding the U.S. shipyard industrial base, and expanding and strengthening mariner and shipyard worker recruitment, training, and retention.
Specifically, theSHIPS for America Actwould:
Senator Baldwin has been a leading voice in revitalizing the shipbuilding industry and leveling the playing field for American workers. Last March, Senator BaldwinjoinedUnited Steelworkers and other labor leaders in support of the American shipbuilding industry and tocall onthe United States Trade Representative (USTR) to conduct a full investigation. In April 2024, the USTR announced they were heeding that call andlaunchingan investigation into China, concluding in areportthat China’s targeted dominance in these sectors was unreasonable and burdens or restricts U.S. commerce, and is therefore “actionable” under Section 301. This report laid the groundwork for the Trump Administration to impose appropriate penalties on China to support American workers. In January, Senator Baldwinapplaudedthis USTR report outlining China’s unfair trade practices to undercut American shipbuilding and called on the President to act. In February, Baldwinled a group of her colleaguesin calling on the Trump Administration to act on the results of the investigation and take immediate action to level the playing field for American workers, businesses, and national security.
The bill is led by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Todd Young (R-IN) and co-sponsored by Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and John Fetterman (D-PA).
Full text of this legislation is availablehere.
A section by section of this legislation is availablehere.
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