Nancy Churchill supports the SHIPS for America Act becoming a reality
Nancy Churchill
Dangerous Rhetoric
Usually, this column focuses on local, regional, and state politics, but today we’re zooming out to a federal bill that could have a tremendous impact on Washington state’s economy. Even better, it’s a truly bipartisan effort aimed at making America stronger and safer. The “Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security (SHIPS) for America Act” is a golden opportunity for Washington’s Republicans and Democrats to unite for the good of the state and the country.
Introduced in December 2024 by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Todd Young (R-IN), along with Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA) and Trent Kelly (R-MS), this bipartisan, bicameral legislation is designed to rebuild America’s maritime industry. With only 80 U.S.-flagged vessels left in international commerce — compared to China’s staggering 5,500 — it’s clear we need to act. This bill does just that, focusing on five critical areas: maritime strategy, fleet expansion, shipyard investments, workforce development, and innovation.
The key components of the SHIPS for America Act
National Maritime Strategy. The bill proposes creating a coordinated strategy to guide U.S. maritime policy, including a Maritime Security Advisor within the White House and a dedicated trust fund reinvesting maritime fees into infrastructure and programs. This is about ensuring the U.S. maritime industry has a unified direction and the resources to execute it.
Fleet Expansion. With a goal of adding 250 U.S.-flagged ships over the next decade, this bill aims to build a strategic commercial fleet of American-built, American-crewed vessels. This expansion would help us compete globally and bolster our national security.
Shipyard Investments. The act includes a 25% investment tax credit for shipyard improvements and a shipbuilding financial incentives program to modernize and expand domestic shipyards. These measures would directly impact Washington state’s shipbuilding industry, making it more competitive.
Workforce Development. Revitalizing the maritime industry means creating a pipeline of skilled workers. The legislation expands recruitment and training for mariners and shipyard employees, ensuring we have the workforce to sustain the industry’s growth.
Next-Generation Innovation. To maintain a competitive edge, the act invests in advanced ship designs, manufacturing processes, and energy systems. This focus on innovation ensures the U.S. remains at the forefront of maritime technology.
Why this matters for Washington state
Washington state is home to nearly a quarter of the nation’s shipyards, making us uniquely positioned to benefit from the SHIPS for America Act. Here’s how:
Investment Tax Credit: The 25% tax credit for shipyard improvements could help Washington’s shipyards modernize and expand, attracting new business and creating jobs.
Shipbuilding Financial Incentives Program: This program is designed to support innovative approaches to domestic shipbuilding and repair, potentially providing grants or loans to shipyards adopting advanced technologies or processes.
Fleet Expansion: Adding 250 ships to the U.S. fleet would increase demand for shipbuilding and repair services, directly benefiting our local shipyards.
Job Growth: These investments mean more high-paying jobs for Washingtonians in shipbuilding, engineering, repair, and maritime operations.
If passed, this legislation could transform our state’s maritime industry, creating economic growth while bolstering national security.
How you can help
If you agree that revitalizing Washington’s shipbuilding and maritime industry is a worthy goal, here’s how you can get involved:
1. Contact Washington’s federal delegation
Reach out to both of Washington’s U.S. Senators and your congressional representative. Regardless of their party affiliation, urge them to support the SHIPS for America Act. This is a rare chance for bipartisan cooperation that would create jobs and enhance national security.
2. Talk to your state legislators
Every Washingtonian has one state senator and two state representatives. Contact yours and ask them to support a Senate Joint Memorial (SJM) urging Congress to act on this legislation. An SJM is a formal resolution expressing the state legislature’s support and can send a powerful message to federal lawmakers.
Washington’s shipyards and maritime workforce have enormous potential. The SHIPS for America Act isn’t just a federal bill — it’s a lifeline for our state’s economy and an investment in America’s future. Let’s take action to ensure it becomes a reality.
Nancy Churchill is a writer and educator in rural eastern Washington State, and the state committeewoman for the Ferry County Republican Party. She may be reached at DangerousRhetoric@pm.me. The opinions expressed in Dangerous Rhetoric are her own. Dangerous Rhetoric is available on thinkspot, Rumble and Substack.
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