Duval Times

Rubio, Waltz, Kelly, Garamendi Release National Maritime Strategy Report

In an era of great power competition, aging infrastructure, and the threat of high-intensity war, Congress must adopt a maritime strategy vital to U.S. national security and the world. Unfortunately, despite calls from Congress for the last decade, such a comprehensive strategy has yet to be produced.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL), U.S. Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL), U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), and U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA) released a bipartisan Congressional Guidance for a National Maritime Strategy report that provides a comprehensive vision for planning guidance, strategic objectives, and actionable steps to revitalize our nation’s maritime sector. This document highlights the urgent need for comprehensive action to counter the People’s Republic of China’s coercive actions to limit freedom of navigation.

“As China vies for global influence, the United States must project strength and security in the maritime domain. Congress must act swiftly to adopt a maritime strategy that invests in our industrial base, reestablishes a strong workforce, and strengthens our national security.” – Senator Rubio

“The United States desperately needs to modernize its maritime capabilities to compete with China’s rapidly growing navy and ensure the freedom of international seas. I’m proud to work with my colleagues across the aisle to revitalize our shipping sector and strengthen our national security.” – Congressman Waltz

“After decades of neglect, revitalizing the American maritime industry will supercharge our economy and strengthen our national security. Our bipartisan report provides a roadmap for the administration and Congress to work together to rebuild our shipbuilding sector and fortify the U.S. flag fleet. It won’t be easy, but America has always been a maritime nation—and the stakes are too high for us to fail.” – Senator Kelly

“Congress and the U.S. military must rebuild our domestic commercial shipbuilding and maritime industrial base so we can continue to project American sea power abroad during peacetime or war. American shipyards and mariners are ready, willing, and able to do the job but can no longer be expected to compete against heavily subsidized foreign competitors in mainland China and elsewhere. Our maritime strategy must support American manufacturing and correct our nation’s longstanding trade imbalance with foreign countries.” – Congressman Garamendi

Read the full report.