Pentagon Calls Shipbuilding a Top Priority, But Congress Says Budget Falls Short

According to a recent report from USNI news, the Department of Defense is making shipbuilding a central focus in it’s fiscal year 2026 strategy, committing $5.9 billion to rejuvenate the U.S. maritime industry amid rising concerns about China’s naval growth. In a statement presented to the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized that enhancing shipbuilding capabilities is now the Navy’s “top priority,” highlighting America’s diminishing advantage at sea.

Hegseth pointed out that China boasts over 230 times more shipbuilding capacity than the United States, with 70% of its warships launched after 2010 compared to only 23% for U.S. vessels.He attributed this disparity to years of deindustrialization and insufficient investment in both defense and commercial maritime sectors.

To address these challenges,Hegseth outlined plans for important reforms aimed at modernizing construction methods,reducing delays,and increasing output from both public and private shipyards. “We can’t keep pouring taxpayer money into projects that take years longer than expected,” he stated.

With an ambitious target of achieving a fleet of 381 ships while currently operating below 300 vessels, the Pentagon recognizes it has a tough road ahead. Though, Hegseth expressed optimism about their new direction: “Together with President Trump, we will Make Shipbuilding Great again.”

Despite this commitment, congress has criticized the proposed $20.8 billion budget for Navy shipbuilding as insufficient—down from last year’s $37 billion—and overly dependent on uncertain reconciliation funds. Key initiatives like Virginia-class submarines and destroyers were notably absent from this proposal.

The hearings revealed a growing divide; while there’s consensus on revitalizing maritime capabilities among lawmakers, they have rejected the governance’s funding approach due to openness issues. Senator Roger Wicker (R-miss.) remarked that this budget shortfall seems designed around anticipated Congressional funds rather than genuine needs.

in response to these concerns, the House Appropriations Committee has introduced its own plan featuring $36.9 billion dedicated to restoring essential programs within shipbuilding.

Additionally, part of Trump’s broader maritime strategy aims at reestablishing U.S control over vital shipping routes. Hegseth noted achievements such as securing “First and Free” passage through Panama for Navy vessels and ending attacks by Houthi forces on American ships in the Red Sea following military actions taken by U.S forces. Still, international shipping remains hesitant about returning fully to traditional Suez routes as no U.S.-flagged commercial ships have passed through since hostilities ceased.

This push towards revitalizing america’s maritime presence aligns with President Trump’s executive order titled “Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance,” which emphasizes long-term investments in both naval operations and commercial shipping sectors.