U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) on Dec. 12 proposed a bipartisan bill that aims to help expand America’s domestic shipbuilding industrial base.
“South Mississippi is home to a significant portion of our country’s shipbuilding industry,” Sen. Wicker said on Tuesday. “This bill would support American shipbuilding and pay dividends for the Magnolia State. It’s a win-win for our economy and jobs.”
Sen. Wicker sponsored the Energizing American Shipbuilding Act of 2023, S. 3467, with lead original cosponsor U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, Jr. (D-PA), to require a certain percentage of liquid natural gas (LNG) and crude oil exports be transported on United States-built and U.S.-flag vessels, according to the text of the bill.
“Energy security is national security. There is a global energy demand and if the United States’ does not step up to the plate, our adversaries will fill the void,” said Sen. Wicker, ranking member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee. “The United States — and Mississippi — can lead the way.”
If enacted, S. 3467 would require that vessels built in the U.S. transport 15 percent of total seaborne LNG exports by 2043, and 10 percent of total seaborne crude oil exports by 2035, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Wicker’s staff.
In turn, S. 3467 is expected to spur the construction of dozens of ships, supporting thousands of good-paying jobs in American shipyards, and boosting domestic vessel component manufacturing and maritime industries, the summary says.
“Requiring an increasing share of natural gas and oil exports to be transported aboard American-built, American-crewed ships is an investment in our national defense, the economic competitiveness of American shipbuilders and mariners, and the communities they call home,” Sen. Casey said.
U.S. Reps. John Garamendi (D-CA) and Rob Wittman (R-VA) introduced companion legislation in their chamber.