Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Senators press DOT on shipbuilding funding, ports and condition of Merchant Marine Academy
Loading...
Summary
Senators welcomed the administration's increased proposed funding for port infrastructure and small shipyards but pressed Secretary Duffy for a written plan and better use of previously appropriated funds for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point.
Senators on the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee pressed Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy about administration proposals to increase investment in ports, small shipyards and maritime training, and asked for a written plan to address deteriorating conditions at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, New York.
Summary of witness statements
Duffy highlighted proposed increases for maritime programs in the administration's fiscal 2026 request, including the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) and assistance to small shipyards. "The request recommends $550,000,000 in PIDP, a roughly $430,000,000 increase above current spending level," he said, and noted a $105,000,000 proposal for assistance to small shipyards.
Senators' concerns and requests
Sen. Susan Collins (R) and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D) asked Duffy about support for maritime academies and workforce development. Collins said the academies are "absolutely essential for facilitating commerce and strengthening our national security by educating training the next generation of American Mariners." Gillibrand and other senators pressed Duffy to produce a plan to modernize the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy's deteriorating facilities.
Duffy acknowledged specific problems at Kings Point and said the department plans to work with the Army Corps of Engineers to develop a plan for using previously appropriated funds. "The midshipmen went 4 months without hot water, taking cold showers at the academy," Duffy said. He told senators he believed roughly $170 million had been appropriated but not effectively used and said DOT would submit a plan to the committee.
Why it matters
Senators framed maritime funding as both an economic and national-security issue: port infrastructure supports commerce and small shipyards and maritime academies provide the workforce and industrial base for commercial and defense needs. Several senators recommended continued or increased federal support to rebuild domestic shipbuilding capacity.
Next steps
Duffy said DOT would work with the Army Corps of Engineers to produce a written plan for Kings Point and report back to the committee. Senators requested follow-up materials and timelines.
Ending
Lawmakers from multiple states welcomed the attention to shipbuilding and port investment and asked DOT to prioritize clear, written plans, and effective use of prior appropriations to fix urgent academy and shipyard needs.
