Ensuring Naval Readiness Act
Summary
The "Ensuring Naval Readiness Act" proposes an exception to the existing prohibition on constructing naval vessels in foreign shipyards. This exception would apply if the shipyard is located in a NATO member country or a country in the Indo-Pacific Region with a mutual defense treaty with the US. Additionally, the cost of construction must be lower than domestic shipyard costs, and the Secretary of the Navy must certify that the shipyard is not owned or operated by a Chinese company.
Expected Effects
The act, if passed, would allow the US Navy to contract with foreign shipyards under specific conditions. This could potentially lower construction costs and increase the speed of naval vessel production. However, it may also impact domestic shipbuilding industries.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially lower costs for naval vessel construction.
- Increased flexibility in naval vessel procurement.
- Possible faster production times for naval vessels.
- Strengthened relationships with allied nations through shipbuilding contracts.
- Ensuring that shipyards are not owned or operated by companies domiciled in China.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential negative impact on domestic shipbuilding jobs.
- Possible concerns about quality control in foreign shipyards.
- Dependence on foreign nations for critical defense infrastructure.
- Risk of intellectual property theft or espionage.
- Impact on the US industrial base.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to provide and maintain a navy. The bill also relates to the common defense, as stated in the Preamble. However, the potential impact on domestic industries could raise concerns about promoting the general welfare, also mentioned in the Preamble.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).