H.R. 3151

SHIPS for America Act of 2025

Sponsor: Trent Kelly

145 cosponsors
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I Oversight and accountability

II Maritime Security Trust Fund

III Sealift capability

IV Vessels of the United States in international commerce

A Strategic sealift programs

B Cargo preference

C Regulatory reform

V Shipbuilding

A Shipbuilding financial incentives

B Department of Defense Programs

C Shipbuilding innovation and infrastructure

Sec. 522. National Shipbuilding Research Program

Section 50105(c) of title 46, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

Text this section adds to the law

(c) National Shipbuilding Research Program

(1) In General. The Maritime Administrator shall establish and carry out, in coordination with the Secretary of the Navy, the National Shipbuilding Research Program.

(2) Purposes. The purpose of the National Shipbuilding Research Program shall be to develop plans for the economical construction of vessels and their propelling machinery, of most modern economical types, giving thorough consideration to all well-recognized means of propulsion and taking into account the benefits from standardized production where practicable and desirable.

(3) Activities. The National Shipbuilding Research Program shall—

(A) support technology transfers and industry networking;

(B) select and execute research and development projects, which may include—

(i) advancing best practices in shipbuilding and ship repair, including alternative project management and project financing arrangements for shipyards, such as public-private financing;

(ii) improving efficiency across the shipyard industrial base of the United States; and

(iii) developing, maturing, and implementing industry-relevant shipbuilding and sustainment technologies;

(C) carry out ad hoc initiatives focused on specific target areas in shipbuilding and ship repair; and

(D) carry out additional activities as determined by the Maritime Administrator or the Secretary of Defense.

VI Workforce Development

A Workforce incentives

B Workforce Pipeline

C United States Merchant Marine Academy and State maritime academies

D Maritime Credentialing Modernization

VII Amendments to the internal revenue code of 1986