Sen. Todd Young Advocates for U.S. Merchant Fleet Rebuild with SHIPS for America Act
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Senator Todd Young is championing Indiana’s manufacturing sector as a pivotal element in revitalizing America’s merchant vessel fleet. In a recent interview with News 8, Young discussed his bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, co-authored with Democratic Senator Mark Kelly of Arizona. The legislation, which has garnered support from both the Trump administration and across party lines in Congress, aims to enhance U.S. shipbuilding capabilities.
Young emphasized the vulnerability of the American economy due to reliance on China’s predominately-flagged merchant shipping fleet. Highlighting that approximately 80% of U.S. imports and exports are shipped, he noted a stark discrepancy: while Chinese shipyards construct around 1,000 vessels annually, U.S. shipyards are limited to just five. "Our very way of life, certainly our economic prosperity, is dependent on our ability to move things to and from our shores," Young remarked, pointing to the need for increased domestic shipbuilding capacity.
The SHIPS for America Act resembles the CHIPS and Science Act, introducing a 25% tax credit for investments in shipyards, as well as promoting educational partnerships to bolster skilled trades, potentially benefiting institutions like Ivy Tech.
Young framed shipbuilding not only as an economic necessity but as a matter of national security, asserting the importance of preparing for potential military needs during extended conflicts. In a separate discussion, he addressed concerns surrounding sensitive communication practices within the Pentagon, suggesting that modernizing processes could enhance operational security.
Young is currently engaging with fellow Congress members on these issues. “Should we be coming up with highly secure tools for our leaders that don’t require inconvenient relocations to secure facilities?” he asked, reflecting a push for more efficient information handling.
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