The FLEETS Now Act directs executive agencies to counter certain shipbuilding and maritime practices of the People’s Republic of China and to strengthen shipbuilding capacity among the United States and allied countries. It requires briefings and annual reports about Chinese state-owned shipbuilders; adds harbors and ports to a finance corporation’s eligible infrastructure; creates a new Assistant Secretary for Water, Environment, and Space Affairs and a related bureau at the Department of State; designates a U.S. point of contact to coordinate international shipbuilding investment and supply-chain diversification; establishes an allied maritime framework and a Maritime Group of Nations for coordination with partner countries; authorizes an exchange program for shipbuilding experts; directs maritime investigations and reporting on unfair practices; and asks U.S. representatives at the United Nations to press the International Maritime Organization on fuel and emissions rules.
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Supporters say the bill responds to findings in the text that Chinese state support and non-market practices have greatly expanded China’s share of global shipbuilding, that China mixes commercial and military ship production, and that U.S. shipbuilding capacity and workforce have shrunk. The text states a desire to reduce dependency on China, protect national security, grow domestic capacity, attract allied investment, improve workforce skills, and coordinate international rules and procurement practices.
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