By VOICES Staff.
On July 4th, 2025, President Donald Trump signed the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBB), a massive reconciliation package that includes significant provisions for the maritime industry. The bill delivers critical funding to enhance U.S. maritime security, shipbuilding, and defense capabilities, while fostering economic growth and job creation in maritime-related sectors.
The allocations in the bill reflect a robust commitment to strengthening our nation’s maritime infrastructure, supporting the Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Department of Defense (DoD) resources, while investing in essential shipbuilding initiatives.
The Homeland Security Mission
The Coast Guard Mission Readiness has received a substantial allocation under the OBBB, with $24.6 billion appropriated for fiscal year 2025, earmarked to remain available through 2029. This funding is vital to enhancing operational capacity and bolstering security at the U.S. maritime border. Some of the most notable provisions include:
- $4.3 billion for the procurement of Offshore Patrol Cutters, enhancing the Coast Guard’s ability to maintain a strong operational presence and to effectively interdict cartels.
- $3.5 billion for Arctic Security Cutters, ensuring U.S. presence in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, which are increasingly vital to our national security.
- $1 billion for Fast Response Cutters, which are crucial for ensuring rapid response capabilities in domestic maritime security operations.
However, as part of the negotiations between the House and the Senate on the One Big Beautiful bill, Congressional leaders in the Great Lakes issued a letter concerned about a Great Lakes icebreaker being cut from the bill.
On the American Maritime Podcast, Lake Carriers Association President Jim Weakley told listeners that this icebreaker was a priority for the association. In addition, Weakley said America needs to maintain its fleet of 140-foot ice-breaking tugs, which he refers to as “Nautical Snow Plows.”
“They are needed to keep our waterways moving and our cargo moving and our vessels safe in the winter months,” said Weakley.
A separate bill proposed by bipartisan Congressional leaders, the Great Lakes Icebreaker Act of 2025, would instruct the U.S. Coast Guard to develop a plan to design and build a new icebreaker for the Great Lakes and analyze the effectiveness of the current icebreaking fleet.
Additionally, the bill allocates $6.17 billion to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for technologies aimed at strengthening border security. This includes new nonintrusive inspection equipment and advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning to prevent the smuggling of illicit substances along maritime borders.
The Jones Act plays a critical role in reducing these risks by ensuring that U.S.-flagged vessels, manned by American crews, are the primary carriers of goods in domestic waters, enhancing security and reducing the potential for foreign influence in U.S. trade.
The Navy’s Mission
The Department of Defense also sees a robust allocation, including $4.6 billion for the procurement of a second Virginia-class submarine, $5.4 billion for two additional Guided Missile Destroyers, and $2.7 billion for the procurement of T-AO oilers. These investments ensure that the U.S. Navy and maritime defense infrastructure remain at the cutting edge of global military readiness.
Moreover, these projects support family-wage careers at shipyards across states that build and maintain these vessels, providing stable, high-paying jobs and contributing to local economies.
In an interview with the Associated Press, Matthew Paxton of the Shipbuilders Council of America said the OBBB is “a generational investment” to expand the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry.
Strategic Investments for Shipbuilding and Resiliency
Beyond defense and security, the OBBB fosters long-term U.S. maritime resilience by prioritizing shipbuilding investments and the modernization of military and civilian fleets. These provisions are expected to boost domestic shipbuilding efforts, expand shipyard capabilities, and encourage U.S. competitiveness in international maritime markets.
The bill allocates substantial funds for the expansion of unmanned surface vessel production, with $1.5 billion designated for autonomous vessel initiatives.
In an interview with American Maritime VOICES, Jack Dougherty, co-founder and Uncrewed Systems Principal at Janus Marine & Defense, told readers that “As we enter the era of autonomous systems and uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), there’s understandable concern about what this means for jobs at sea. But here’s the reality: technology has always changed the tools we use—but never the need for skilled mariners.”
This technology is poised to revolutionize maritime operations, from surveillance to cargo transport, and will strengthen the U.S. position in this emerging field.
The investments could lead to more programs at top merchant marine academies, which recently graduated 1,100 new mariners, shipyard workers, and professionals needed to keep this industry strong.
What’s Next?
With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, the U.S. maritime industry is poised for a major boost, but the journey doesn’t stop here.
As investments pour into security, shipbuilding, and innovation, the Jones Act remains a critical cornerstone in ensuring that U.S.-flagged vessels, crewed by Americans, owned by loyal U.S. companies, continue to strengthen our maritime security and economy.
The future of maritime in the U.S. is looking brighter than ever, with exciting new technologies and infrastructure investments on the horizon.
We are glad to have you aboard for this opportunity.
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