Bill > HR4951

This bill, titled the "Ensuring Naval Readiness Act," creates an exception to the existing prohibition on constructing naval vessels in foreign shipyards. Specifically, the bill allows the construction of naval vessels or major hull/superstructure components in foreign shipyards under two key conditions: first, the shipyard must be located in a NATO member country or a country in the Indo-Pacific region that has a mutual defense treaty with the United States, and second, the construction cost must be lower than what it would be in a domestic U.S. shipyard. Additionally, before any such construction can begin, the Secretary of the Navy must submit a certification to Congress confirming that the foreign shipyard is not owned or operated by a Chinese company or a multinational company based in China. This provision appears designed to address potential national security concerns while providing flexibility for naval vessel construction that might be more cost-effective when done internationally, particularly among close allies.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4951/all-info