Kiggans, Goodlander Work to Strengthen Oversight of Navy’s Shipyard Modernization Program

Kiggans, Goodlander Work to Strengthen Oversight of Navy’s Shipyard Modernization Program October 26, 2026 | Press Releases WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congresswoman Jen Kiggans (VA-02) and Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02) introduced the Shipyard Modernization Sustainment Act , a bill that strengthens Congressional oversight over the Navy’s Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program (SIOP) by requiring a series of independent reviews of its cost, progress, and timeline. These reviews would be conducted by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) led by the Comptroller General and include annual reviews, congressional briefings, and a final report by 2031. Congresswoman Kiggans said, “If the United States wants to remain the world’s most powerful naval fighting force, we must ensure our shipyards have the necessary infrastructure to keep our fleet mission-ready. SIOP is a vital initiative that will modernize our shipyards and equip our workers with the tools and resources they need to maintain the fleet for years to come. However, Congress has a responsibility to keep the program on schedule and to hold it accountable for the efficient use of taxpayer dollars. I’m proud to join Congresswoman Goodlander in this effort to strengthen GAO oversight, preserve the integrity of the program, and support our national security.” SIOP aims to modernize dry docks and upgrade equipment at the nation’s four public shipyards—Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility, and Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility—to better support the maintenance needs of the Navy’s increasingly advanced fleet. GAO has previously found SIOP could take over 50 years to complete and cost over $200 billion. As a Navy veteran and member of the House Armed Services Committee, Congresswoman Kiggans remains committed to ensuring our servicemembers have the resources, equipment, and infrastructure necessary to maintain operational readiness and carry out their missions safely and effectively. Read the bill here . Background: In June 2026, Rep. Kiggans announced the House Armed Services Committee’s markup of the FY27 National Defense Authorization Act . Read her press release here . In October 2025, the Congresswoman introduced the Pay Our Public Shipyard Workers Act which would protect the paychecks of the civilian and military workforce during government shutdowns. Read her press release here . In June 2025, Congresswoman Kiggans, alongside Reps. Jill Tokuda (HI-02), Emily Randall (WA-06), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), and Don Bacon (NE-02), introduced the Defense Shipyard Workforce Housing Act . This bipartisan bill works to address housing availability for the skilled civilian workforce that powers America’s four public naval shipyards. Read her press release here .