The Maritime Action Plan would raise between $66 billion and $1.5 trillion to support the infrastructure of U.S. shipbuilding over the next 10 years.
The White House proposed a new set of cargo taxes on goods that will be entering the U.S. to help fund an increase in domestic commercial shipbuilding. The proposal, which included a report from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, would impose fees on all foreign-built commercial vessels bringing products into U.S. ports. Known as the “Maritime Action Plan” or MAP, the proposal offers a potential range of charges from 1-cent-per-kilogram to 25-cents-per-kilogram. This tax could raise anywhere from $66 billion to $1.5 trillion over the next decade.
The White House explained, “For decades, the nation’s strategic position and shipbuilding industrial capacity have weakened due to a lack of strategic focus, cumbersome Government procurement processes, and a lack of strategic support for construction of commercial vessels in domestic shipyards.”
The White House stated, ” The MAP calls for policies that modernize government procurement processes and streamline regulations to accelerate shipbuilding and reduce costs. By streamlining regulatory processes, strengthening interagency coordination, and providing reliable long-term funding and demand for U.S.-built ships, shipyards, and mariners, America will rebuild maritime strength at the speed and scale required to meet the challenges of today and the future.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For wisdom for members of Congress as they consider this new proposal.
- For Secretary Rubio and Director Vought as they work to support the United States’ shipbuilding infrastructure.
Sources: Roll Call, The White House
