Odd Lots
The Plan to Get America Building Big Ships Again
Feb 20, 2025
Senators Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and Democrat from Arizona, and Todd Young, a Republican from Indiana, discuss America's critical need to revitalize shipbuilding to enhance national security and economic stability. They highlight the alarming decline in U.S.-flagged vessels compared to China's dominance. The duo explains the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, aimed at boosting domestic ship production, and the importance of strategic maritime capabilities amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Collaboration with allies is also emphasized to fortify U.S. maritime strength.
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Quick takeaways
- The decline of U.S.-flagged vessels has raised national security concerns, emphasizing the need to revitalize America's shipbuilding industry.
- Bipartisan initiatives, such as the Ships for America Act, aim to bolster domestic shipbuilding and address the skilled labor shortage in maritime sectors.
Deep dives
The State of America's Maritime Capacity
The current condition of America's maritime industry is characterized by a sharp decline in U.S.-flagged vessels, which has dropped from approximately 400 in the 1980s to just 80 today. This substantial decrease has raised national security concerns, especially in light of the fact that China possesses around 5,500 vessels. The inadequate maritime capacity poses a significant risk, as it could severely impact the U.S. economy and military logistics in times of crisis. The Senators emphasize the urgency to rebuild U.S. maritime capacity to avoid dependence on foreign adversaries for essential shipping and logistics.
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