Senator Young's statement on President Trump’s shipbuilding executive order

Sunday, April 13, 2025 at 6:00 PM

Last week, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed an executive order to support shipbuilding in the United States:

“President Trump understands that we need to build more ships here in the United States. This executive order recognizes the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to reinvigorate the U.S. shipbuilding and maritime industries, sharing the same goals as the SHIPS for America Act.

“America’s maritime industry and shipbuilding capacity have dangerously lagged behind over the years, allowing China to get ahead and pose a serious threat over the oceans. Today’s action by the Trump administration shows they see the same threat and the urgent need to reverse course to strengthen our national security and grow our economy. I am encouraged that many of the provisions in the executive order mirror parts of the SHIPS for America Act.

“In the coming weeks, we will reintroduce the SHIPS for America Act with renewed support to provide the congressional authorizations needed to truly revitalize the American shipbuilding and maritime industries and work with the Trump administration to get it passed.”

Senator Young and Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) first introduced the SHIPS for America Act in December 2024. The bill is expected to be reintroduced in the coming weeks.