Members defend Maritime Industrial Base funding; warn against organizational changes that could disrupt progress
Summary
Lawmakers told DOD officials they view recent maritime industrial base investments as successful and urged consultation before any organizational moves that could alter program execution or funding flow.
Representative Joe Courtney and others described the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB) effort as an "agile" and successful model for expanding shipbuilding capacity and creating strategic surge in steel fabrication and man-hours for major programs. Courtney noted a bipartisan NDAA amendment restricting movement of the MIB's organizational location and asked DOD to consult with Congress before changing how the program is managed.
Witnesses acknowledged the committee's concerns. Michael Duffy said he would receive and consider members' input and work with the team before final decisions are made. Committee members warned that shifting the MIB into a different organizational home without consultation could slow or reverse recent industrial-base progress. Lawmakers described the MIB as a direct-reporting mechanism that has enabled targeted investments across multiple shipyards and emphasized the importance of predictable funding and close oversight.
Ending: DOD agreed to consult with the committee before finalizing organizational decisions affecting the maritime industrial base and to continue engagement as the department implements industrial-base initiatives.
