Senators Kelly and Young, Representatives Kelly and Garamendi Statement on Trump’s Shipbuilding Executive Order

Today, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and SHIPS for America Act co-leads Senator Todd Young (R-IN), Representative Trent Kelly (R-MS-1), and Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-8) released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to support shipbuilding in the United States: 

“This executive order recognizes the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to reinvigorate the U.S. shipbuilding and maritime industries, sharing the same goals as our SHIPS for America Act. America’s maritime industry and shipbuilding capacity have dangerously lagged behind over the years, allowing China to get ahead and pose a serious threat over the oceans. Today’s action by the Trump administration shows they see the same threat and the urgent need to reverse course to strengthen our national security and grow our economy. We’re also encouraged that many of the provisions in the executive order mirror parts of our SHIPS for America Act. 

“We will reintroduce the SHIPS for America Act with renewed support in the coming weeks to provide the Congressional authorizations needed to truly revitalize the American shipbuilding and maritime industries, and work with the administration to get it passed. That’s how we’ll put Americans to work building more oceangoing ships and flying the American flag on merchant vessels to reclaim America’s global maritime leadership.” 

Background: 

Senators Kelly and Young and Representatives Kelly and Garamendi introduced the SHIPS for America Act to revitalize U.S. shipbuilding and commercial maritime industries last year. Earlier this year, Kelly toured the Hanwha Philly Shipyard to hear from workers and underscore the urgent need to restore U.S. shipbuilding capacity to lower costs, create good-paying jobs, and strengthen national security. 

Kelly earned his B.S. degree in marine engineering and nautical science from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) and later an M.S. degree in aeronautical engineering from the United States Naval Postgraduate School. Kelly spent 25 years in the United States Navy as a pilot and is the first ever USMMA alumnus to serve in Congress. In 2023, Kelly was elected chair of the USMMA Board of Visitors for the 118th Congress.