The Navy League applauds the efforts of Congressman Mike Waltz, Congressman John Garamendi, Senator Mark Kelly, and Senator Marco Rubio for their leadership and work on their Congressional Guidance for a National Maritime Strategy. The Navy League has long been a champion for a comprehensive national maritime strategy, and this Congressional direction to support MARAD’s efforts is welcome. The challenges facing the U.S. maritime sector require a whole of government approach, and Congress has the perspective, bully pulpit, and funding to affect real change in this pillar of critical American infrastructure as industry, labor, and government work together to find solutions to the maritime threats posed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC).
America is a maritime nation that depends on the seas for its national and economic security. Our relationship and investment in our sea services is what has empowered the United States to become the most powerful and economically strong nation in the world. Our shipbuilding capacity and merchant marine propelled us to victory in WWII and set the foundation for global mercantile expansion in the post-war era. However, this legacy is under threat after decades of neglect and a lack of federal investment. Meanwhile, other nations, particularly the PRC, have used state-owned enterprises and subsidies to dominate the global shipbuilding market, and flags of convenience have undermined the international-going U.S.-flag fleet.
This report correctly prioritizes rebuilding our shipbuilding industry, growing the international-going U.S.-flag fleet, upon which our military depends to move defense materiel, and growing the maritime workforce. With the proper investments outlined in this guidance, the United States will have the assured access to maritime security this report recommends: “Ensuring continued U.S. access to free, open, safe, and sustainable oceans without coercion from global competitors should be the aim of our national maritime strategy”—the Navy League heartily endorses this sentiment.
The once in a generation investment this guidance calls for is critical. We urge Congress to work with these leaders, the Executive Branch, and the maritime industry to implement the recommendations from this guidance. America is a maritime nation—we must make the right choices today for the continued success of our nation tomorrow.