A new bill introduced Wednesday would provide $25 billion to repair or replace public and private shipyards that support the Navy.
“As lawmakers consider ways to improve our nation’s infrastructure, the facilities that support our Navy fleet should be a part of the conversation,” Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), the bill’s lead sponsor, said in a press release. “Now is the time to provide our Navy leaders the support they need to grow and preserve our fleet for generations to come.”
The bill would use the Defense Production Act to provide $21 billion for the Navy’s shipyards in Virginia, Maine, Hawaii and Washington, according to a summary. Another $2 billion would go toward private new construction shipyards. Another $2 billion would be used to repair Navy private shipyards.
Wicker’s co-sponsors are Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Angus King (I-Maine) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.). A House version is sponsored by Reps. Mike Gallagher (R-Wis.) and Rob Wittman (R-Va.).
Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Matthew F. Brown