SC Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) chaired a hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries to address challenges in U.S. commercial and Navy shipbuilding. The session focused on how to modernize and speed up domestic ship production while strengthening the country’s maritime industrial base.

In his remarks, Sullivan discussed the national security risks posed by China’s dominance in global shipbuilding. He noted that China produces nearly half of all vessels worldwide, while the United States builds less than one percent. "The state of America's commercial shipbuilding industry is not just an economic concern. It is a national security imperative that we have let slide for way too long. The scale of the challenge we face today is real. It's urgent. I would say it's daunting," said Sen. Sullivan.

Sullivan referenced President Trump’s “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance” executive order from April 2025 as a key step in addressing these issues. He also pointed to recent budget legislation that includes significant investments in both the Navy and Coast Guard.

"This subcommittee examines how to modernize, accelerate U.S. commercial shipbuilding, which, of course, will have an impact on our Navy's shipbuilding while strengthening America's broader maritime industrial base as a foundation for economic security and national security," Sullivan stated.

He emphasized Alaska’s reliance on maritime transportation due to its geography and economy: "Key economic pillars of my state—the U.S. military, mining, fisheries, oil and gas, tourism—are all dependent on maritime transportation to move goods, resources, ammunition, and people."

The hearing featured testimony from Matt Paxton (Shipbuilders Council of America), Jeff Vogel (TOTE Services), Dr. Salvatore Mercogliano (Campbell University), and Tuuli Snow (Snow & Company).

Sullivan drew parallels with World War II efforts: "During World War II...we transformed from a nation unprepared for war into the world's industrial powerhouse...That shipbuilding surge didn't happen because we were forced into it. It happened because we chose to meet the moment with purpose, coordination and urgency."

He called attention to ongoing bipartisan legislative efforts such as the SHIPS for America Act aimed at boosting domestic production capacity and innovation in shipbuilding.

Sullivan stressed that financial investment alone would not solve current problems; he advocated for smarter procurement systems and better workforce development: "Revitalizing America's shipbuilding means investing in a workforce that can design, build, and sail the ships for tomorrow."

He concluded by urging Congress to end the government shutdown so federal workers—including those involved in public shipyards—can be paid: "Enough is enough...Let's reopen the government and get these workers who build our ships in public yards paid as well."