Bill > S1541

This bill would establish a comprehensive strategy to revitalize and strengthen the United States maritime industry, with a focus on national security, economic competitiveness, and workforce development. The SHIPS for America Act of 2025 aims to address the significant decline of the U.S. maritime sector by creating a multi-faceted approach that includes establishing a Maritime Security Trust Fund, creating new fleet programs, providing financial incentives for shipbuilding, supporting maritime workforce development, and modernizing maritime credentialing processes. Key provisions include creating a Strategic Commercial Fleet to increase the number of U.S.-flagged vessels, establishing a Maritime Security Board to oversee maritime strategy, providing financial incentives for shipbuilding and vessel operations, creating new scholarship and career retention programs for merchant mariners, modernizing the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy's infrastructure, reforming maritime credentialing processes, and developing a comprehensive strategy to reduce dependence on foreign maritime resources, particularly those from China. The bill recognizes the critical role of maritime capabilities in national defense, economic security, and global trade, and seeks to rebuild the United States' once-dominant maritime industrial base through targeted investments, regulatory reforms, and strategic planning.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/1541/all-info