S.406 - Ensuring Naval Readiness Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The "Ensuring Naval Readiness Act" (S.406) proposes an exception to the existing prohibition on constructing naval vessels in foreign shipyards. This exception would allow construction in shipyards located in NATO member countries or countries in the Indo-Pacific region with a mutual defense treaty with the U.S., provided it's more cost-effective. The bill also requires the Secretary of the Navy to certify that the foreign shipyard is not owned or operated by a Chinese company.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill could lead to some naval vessel construction occurring in foreign shipyards, potentially reducing costs. It also introduces a safeguard against using Chinese-owned or operated shipyards. This could affect domestic shipbuilding industries and international relations.
Potential Benefits
- Potential cost savings in naval vessel construction.
- Strengthened partnerships with NATO and Indo-Pacific allies.
- Reduced reliance on domestic shipyards, potentially freeing them for other projects.
- Mitigation of risks associated with reliance on a single source for naval vessel construction.
- Prevention of Chinese influence in naval vessel construction.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential job losses in the U.S. shipbuilding industry.
- Increased dependence on foreign nations for critical defense infrastructure.
- Possible compromise of intellectual property or sensitive technologies.
- Risk of lower quality control in foreign shipyards.
- Potential for delays due to geopolitical factors or supply chain disruptions.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the constitutional power granted to Congress in Article I, Section 8 to provide and maintain a navy. The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations. However, the potential economic impact on domestic industries could raise concerns related to the general welfare clause.
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).