H.R. 5053: Protecting Public Naval Shipyards Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Protecting Public Naval Shipyards Act of 2025, aims to protect the workforce at public naval shipyards from being reduced. The main provisions of the bill include:

Prohibition on Workforce Reductions

The bill prohibits any layoffs or reductions in the workforce at public shipyards. This means that employees working at these facilities cannot be dismissed or have their positions eliminated due to:

• Spending cuts
• Reprogramming of funds
• Probationary employee status

Definition of Workforce

The workforce at public shipyards includes various positions, specifically:

• Welders
• Pipefitters
• Shipfitters
• Radiological technicians and engineers
• Engineers and engineering technicians
• Apprentices
• Positions that support workforce development
• Positions related to nuclear maintenance and refueling
• Mechanics
• Painters and blasters
• Positions for maintenance and operations of infrastructure
• Positions related to the Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program

Management Authority Reserved

While the bill prohibits workforce reductions, it does not limit the Secretary of Defense's authority to manage the workforce of the Department of Defense in cases of misconduct or poor performance. This means that the existing procedures for handling these situations remain intact.

Implications

The bill is designed to maintain the employment levels at public naval shipyards, which play a crucial role in the maintenance and construction of naval vessels. By preventing job cuts in these facilities, the bill seeks to ensure that the workforce remains stable, potentially impacting the overall efficiency and readiness of naval operations.

Relevant Companies

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