"America Builds: Maritime Infrastructure"

Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation

2025-02-05

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Summary

This meeting of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation convened to discuss America's maritime infrastructure, acknowledging its critical role in the nation's economic growth and security[ 00:25:36 ]

. Members and witnesses highlighted the need for continuous investment, workforce development, and regulatory adaptation to maintain global competitiveness against rival nations, particularly China. The discussion covered a range of topics from the foundational importance of the Jones Act to the emerging challenges of autonomous technologies and the impact of federal funding decisions[ 00:26:49 ] .

Themes

Importance of Maritime Infrastructure and Investment

The subcommittee emphasized that a robust maritime infrastructure, including navigable waterways, commercial ports, and shipbuilding capabilities, is essential for moving goods, supporting the economy, and ensuring national security[ 00:26:02 ]

. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was noted for its significant investments in ports and waterways, but concerns were raised about the recent pause in infrastructure funding and its potential devastating impacts on projects and jobs. Witnesses underscored that foreign competitors like China heavily subsidize their maritime operations, placing U.S. ports at a disadvantage and requiring consistent federal investment to remain competitive. Efficiency in grant processing and regular legislative processes like WARTA were identified as crucial for timely project delivery and combating inflationary pressures.

Jones Act and Domestic Shipbuilding

The Jones Act was repeatedly affirmed as the "bedrock and foundation" of the U.S. domestic maritime industry, vital for maintaining American-built, American-crewed, and American-owned vessels for coastwise trade. It is seen as crucial for the nation's shipbuilding industrial base, ensuring a pool of qualified mariners and critical shipyard infrastructure. The decline in U.S. shipbuilding capacity, with only four major shipyards remaining, was a significant concern, prompting calls for policies like the Ships for America Act to revitalize the industry[ 00:27:26 ]

. Addressing the competitive disadvantage due to factors like differing labor and environmental regulations with foreign shipyards was also highlighted.

Workforce Development and Mariner Shortage

A critical shortage of mariners and skilled shipyard workers was identified, exacerbated by an aging workforce and lack of public awareness about maritime careers. Efforts to recruit and retain mariners include legal changes, improved training programs, and addressing quality-of-life factors such as onboard Wi-Fi and competitive pay. The importance of investment in maritime training institutions, including the Merchant Marine Academy, and fostering federal-state-local partnerships for skill development was emphasized. The "Military to Maritime" program was also discussed as a means to transition military personnel with relevant experience into the merchant marine.

Autonomous Maritime Technologies

The emergence of autonomous maritime technologies presents both opportunities and challenges related to safety, security, and regulatory oversight. The rapid pace of technological development is outpacing the regulatory rulemaking process, and the U.S. Coast Guard, despite its regulatory role, does not operate its own robotic systems, hindering its ability to effectively regulate them[ 00:28:06 ]

. Speakers suggested that these technologies could augment, rather than replace, human roles, enhancing safety and extending operational capabilities, particularly in arduous missions[ 01:53:04 ] . Collaboration with other government agencies and industry for pilot projects was proposed as a cost-effective approach for the Coast Guard to adopt and understand these technologies.

Challenges and Concerns

Several challenges beyond direct infrastructure investment were raised. The "unprecedented, misguided, and clearly political firing" of Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Linda Fagan drew strong criticism from some members, who praised her service and commitment to improvements within the Coast Guard. The pausing of federal funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act was called "inexplicable" and potentially damaging to numerous port projects nationwide. The impact of "low bid" procurement policies, especially regarding the purchase of Chinese-made cranes with potential national security risks, was debated, with calls for flexibility when national security is at stake. Additionally, the suspension of the Food for Peace (PL 480) program was decried for its negative effects on U.S. mariners, farmers, and the nation's ability to counter foreign influence, as well as the unclear rationale behind considering marriage and birth rates in grant awards.

Tone of the Meeting

The tone of the meeting was largely serious, professional, and concerned, reflecting the gravity of the issues discussed regarding the state and future of America's maritime infrastructure. While there were expressions of congratulations for new leadership roles, indicating a respectful atmosphere, speakers conveyed significant frustration and alarm over specific governmental actions, such as the termination of the Coast Guard Commandant and federal funding freezes. A sense of urgency prevailed, with repeated calls for bold, decisive action to counter foreign competition and address critical deficits in shipbuilding and workforce.