Wicker sponsors bill to support American shipbuilding

Bipartisan, bicameral legislation proposed this month by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) would require a portion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and crude oil exports to be transported on American-built and United States-flag vessels. 

“As foreign nations continue to invest heavily in their own shipbuilding capacity, the United States cannot allow our own capabilities to dwindle,” said Sen. Wicker, a senior member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee.

The Energizing American Shipbuilding Act, S. 707, was sponsored by Sen. Wicker on March 11 with lead cosponsor U.S. Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA). U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) on March 22 signed on as a cosponsor, as well. U.S. Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and John Garamendi (D-CA) also on March 11 introduced the same-named H.R. 1819 in their chamber.

“Strengthening our domestic maritime industry is essential to our national defense,” Sen. Wicker said. “Ensuring the U.S. can move our growing energy exports on American-flagged, American-crewed vessels protects the critical role these vessels play in our national defense and bolsters hundreds of thousands of American shipbuilding and maritime jobs.” 

Specifically, the measure 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 office.

If enacted, the bill 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 senator’s staff said in a statement.