Duval Times

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Sens. Rick Scott and Mark Kelly, has sent a letter to President Biden urging him to prioritize the United States' maritime defense. The letter comes at a critical moment when China is extending its influence in the South China Sea and the Houthis are attacking shipping in the Red Sea.

In the letter, the lawmakers call on President Biden to take several key actions to strengthen the country's maritime power. They propose the establishment of an interagency maritime policy director, the designation of maritime infrastructure as "critical infrastructure," the invocation of the Defense Production Act for shipbuilding, and the development of a whole-of-government maritime "de-risking" strategy to reduce dependency on Chinese maritime infrastructure and industry.

According to the lawmakers, the United States' maritime infrastructure, including naval and commercial shipyards, is aging and in need of significant investment. They also highlight the decline of the U.S. flagged international trading fleet and the underinvestment in the Merchant Marine and maritime workforce.

"We stand at an inflection point. We must act now—before it is too late—to reinvigorate American and allied maritime power on the seas," the letter states.

The letter has garnered bipartisan support, with co-signers including Senators John Boozman, John Cornyn, Tammy Duckworth, and Marco Rubio, as well as Representatives James R. Baird, Jack Bergman, Byron Donalds, Neal P. Dunn, and others.

The lawmakers emphasize that changing the trajectory of the shipbuilding and shipping industries will not be an easy or quick task after years of neglect. However, they believe that immediate action is necessary to protect American and allied interests and ensure maritime security.

The full text of the letter to President Biden can be found HERE.

This bipartisan effort to prioritize U.S. maritime defense reflects growing concerns about the increasing influence of China in the South China Sea and the threats posed by the Houthis in the Red Sea. By calling for stronger maritime infrastructure, the lawmakers aim to protect American interests and reduce dependency on Chinese maritime industry. The support from both Democrats and Republicans demonstrates a united front in safeguarding maritime power.

As the letter states, the United States must act now to reinvigorate American and allied maritime power. With the backing of bipartisan lawmakers, it is hoped that President Biden will take swift action to address the urgent needs of the country's maritime defense.