On May 7, 2025, Senator Todd Young of Indiana expressed concerns about the decline of America’s maritime industry in a column for the New York Post. Young highlighted China’s growing dominance at sea, noting that “China now possesses the world’s largest commercial fleet — 5,500 vessels strong, with a thousand more built annually,” while the United States has only 80 ships with a maximum of five added each year.
Young cited historical figures to emphasize the importance of a strong merchant marine. He referred to President Theodore Roosevelt’s statement from 1905: “To the spread of our trade in peace and the defense of our flag in war, a great and prosperous merchant marine is indispensable.” According to Young, America’s current situation would have been unacceptable to Roosevelt.
The senator pointed out that America’s shipbuilding sector has weakened over time. “Our shipbuilding sector has eroded,” he said, describing it as a “pending national disaster.” However, Young sees potential for revival under President Donald Trump. He noted Trump’s recent executive order encouraging private investment in shipyards and imposing fees on Chinese vessels at U.S. ports.
In response to these challenges, Young joined colleagues to reintroduce the SHIPS for America Act. This legislation aims to rejuvenate U.S. shipbuilding by authorizing new commercial ships and revitalizing the maritime industry. The act shares goals with Trump’s executive order and seeks to make U.S.-flagged vessels competitive internationally by reducing red tape and expanding recruitment efforts.
Young highlighted that America’s reliance on Chinese-flagged ships poses risks during potential conflicts or trade standoffs. “Xi Jinping could bring the American economy to a complete standstill,” he warned.
The SHIPS for America Act proposes establishing oversight and funding for U.S. maritime policy, including creating an investment tax credit for shipyard development and setting up a trust fund to expand the international fleet to 250 ships by 2035.
Senator Young acknowledged that reviving American shipbuilding will take time and resources but argued that failing to act would be costlier. He concluded by urging Congress to support Trump’s vision for an ambitious maritime agenda: “It’s time to make American ships again.”
Todd Young represents Indiana in the U.S. Senate.
