S. 1541: Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2025 (119th Congress) Bill Summary

The "Shipbuilding and Harbor Infrastructure for Prosperity and Security for America Act of 2025" is legislation designed to enhance the United States' maritime capabilities. The bill focuses on various aspects, including shipbuilding, workforce development, and national defense, to ensure the country's maritime industry can effectively support both economic and security needs.

Key Provisions

Strengthening Maritime Capabilities: The bill aims to improve shipbuilding industries and workforce development to reinforce national defense and strategic sealift capacities.
Definitions and Oversight: It defines the roles of the appropriate congressional committees involved in maritime strategy and addresses the management of the Maritime Security Trust Fund.
Establishment of Strategic Commercial Fleet: The bill amends transportation regulations to create a Strategic Commercial Fleet, focusing on U.S.-owned vessels for foreign commerce and outlining the criteria and agreements necessary for its operation.
Vessel Support and Emergency Preparedness: It grants the Administrator of the National Shipping Authority waiver authority for non-availability of U.S. vessels and establishes protocols for emergency preparedness agreements with the Department of Defense.
Incentives for U.S. Commercial Cargo Shipments: The bill mandates assessments on federal policies to encourage U.S. cargo shipments, provides recommendations for tax benefits, and imposes duty modifications, eventually leading to a report to Congress on these topics.
Mariner Training Enhancements: It focuses on improving mariner training programs and includes requirements for integrating sea-time into educational curriculums, with oversight from a newly formed rulemaking committee.
Capital Construction Fund Regulations: The legislation outlines regulations for a capital construction fund, detailing eligible vessel construction, funding mechanisms, and reporting requirements to boost maritime capabilities.
Workforce and Technological Development: Initiatives are proposed to improve workforce strategies in the maritime industry, including establishing incubators for technology innovation and retention programs for mariners.
Advisory Committee for Education: A Maritime Career and Technical Education Advisory Committee will be formed to enhance maritime training and education, providing annual reports to Congress on best practices and policy improvements.
Student Support and Scholarships: The bill introduces scholarship programs to assist students with summer sea term expenses, requiring recipients to complete their education and serve in supportive roles for U.S. commerce and defense afterward.