U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) has called for a renewed focus on American shipbuilding, citing concerns over the decline of the U.S. maritime industry and growing reliance on foreign vessels, particularly those from China. In a column published in The Ripon Forum’s Veterans Day Edition 2025, Young highlighted how America’s early economic strength and security were closely tied to its dominance at sea.
Young noted that while America’s merchant fleet once played a central role in global trade, today only a small portion of goods arrives on American ships. He attributed this shift to “decades of neglect,” leading to abandoned shipyards and a shrinking workforce, leaving the U.S. with about 80 commercial vessels compared to China’s approximately 5,500 oceangoing ships.
“China will stop at nothing to exploit America’s security vulnerabilities, undermine our relationships with trusted allies, and bully developing nations for its own gain,” Young wrote. He warned that supply chain disruptions seen during the COVID-19 pandemic could be surpassed by a potential Chinese boycott of U.S. ports.
Young also expressed concern about the country’s ability to build or repair warships in times of conflict: “America lacks sufficient shipyard and industrial capacity to repair or build new warships.”
To address these issues, Young introduced the SHIPS for America Act alongside Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ). According to Young, “This landmark legislation will revitalize U.S. shipbuilding, rebuild America’s shipyard industrial base, support nationwide workforce development in this industry, and ensure we have the fleet we need to reclaim maritime dominance.” He emphasized that the bill is designed “to bolster our supply chains, strengthen our warfighting capabilities, and allow us to keep pace with China.”
Young referenced an executive order signed by President Trump earlier this year titled “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance.” He stated that “The SHIPS Act, which mirrors multiple aspects of the President’s executive order, would provide the funding and authorities to revitalize the maritime industry, while also putting up barriers against China’s continued efforts to dismantle our shipping economy.”
He pointed out Indiana’s history in shipbuilding along the Ohio River and noted his recent visit to Corn Island Shipyard as an example of how passage of the SHIPS Act could benefit smaller shipyards nationwide. Additionally, he said Hoosier steel manufacturers and small component makers could see increased demand if American shipbuilding expands.
Young concluded by stressing Indiana’s reliance on exports and highlighting risks associated with depending on Chinese-flagged ships for trade: “If our economy depends on goods carried aboard Chinese-flagged ships, our supply chain is at the mercy of China.” He argued that increasing domestic shipping capacity would benefit farmers and consumers through lower costs and greater confidence.
“This is the promise of the shipbuilding revival – revitalized shipyards, more good-paying American jobs, security from economic coercion, and enhanced naval readiness for a potential conflict with our greatest adversary,” Young wrote.
Todd Young serves as senior U.S. Senator for Indiana. He is a graduate of the Naval Academy and former Marine who sits on several Senate committees including Finance; Commerce, Science & Transportation; Small Business and Entrepreneurship; and Intelligence.
