Reviving the American Maritime Industry: Congressman Garamendi’s Vision for the Future

At the recent San Francisco Fleet Week Senior Leaders Seminar aboard the USS Tripoli, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-08) joined Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro and an audience of senior military officials, industry leaders, and global allies. In his keynote address, “Reimagining the American Maritime Industry,” Rep. Garamendi laid out an ambitious vision for revitalizing the U.S. maritime sector, emphasizing the need for workforce development, advanced infrastructure, and strategic investments.

Championing Workforce Development and Innovation

Rep. Garamendi opened with a call to strengthen the backbone of the American maritime workforce, emphasizing the role of high-paying, skilled jobs that not only support national security, but also drive local economies.

“The future of American shipbuilding lies in the people who bring that technology to life,” he stated, stressing the importance of educational programs and apprenticeships to prepare the next generation of shipbuilders and maritime professionals.

Garamendi’s advocacy for workforce development extends beyond this address. The American Maritime Partnership (AMP), the voice of the domestic maritime industry, recognized Congressman Garamendi with the 2018 ‘Champion of Maritime’ Award. AMP confers this award to a Member of Congress for extraordinary support and dedication to the American maritime industry.

Additionally, in 2021, the Shipbuilders Council of America (SCA), a national association representing the U.S. shipbuilding, maintenance, and repair industry, honored Rep. Garamendi with the prestigious SCA Maritime Leadership Award. This award also acknowledges national leaders who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to supporting the U.S. shipbuilding and repair industry.

Garamendi has supported legislation channeling federal investments into job training and workforce development programs in the past as well. In 2022, he dedicated $1 million for job training programs in Contra Costa County (the Bay Area of California). In 2023, Garamendi earmarked $58 million in new funding for California State University Maritime Academy (Cal Maritime).

When announcing the new funds, Rep. Garamendi championed Cal Maritime as a “national leader” of industry, training the “workforce of tomorrow.”

The Bay Area: A Future Hub for Green Shipbuilding

A key feature of Garamendi’s vision is transforming historical maritime sites like Mare Island, which was once the first U.S. Navy base on the West Coast, into modern hubs of sustainable shipbuilding. In 2022, Garamendi announced an investment of $13 million in the project. He has also more recently worked to establish clean energy measures through the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. By integrating green technologies such as battery-electric generators and advanced stormwater management, Garamendi believes that the U.S. maritime sector can lead the way towards a more sustainable future.

“We must prioritize strategic investments that will drive innovation and keep our industry competitive on the global stage,” stated Garamendi.

Maritime Resilience: Setting the Course of National Maritime Strategy

Rep. Garamendi’s keynote also spotlighted “Congressional Guidance for a National Maritime Strategy,” an initiative co-led with Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Representative Mike Waltz (R-FL-06), with the ultimate goal of keeping American shipbuilding and shipping competitive in the global arena through targeted investment and legislative reform. In adopting a “whole-of-government” approach, he stood behind Secretary Del Toro’s commitment to cross-agency collaboration.

By supporting these programs, Rep. Garamendi aims to ensure that U.S.-flagged commercial vessels are prepared to transport military personnel, cargo, and equipment whenever and wherever needed. The initiative not only reinforces military readiness, but the strategic importance of a strong U.S.-flagged fleet able to adapt quickly to shifting trade dynamics.

Strengthening American Shipping Through the Jones Act

One of Rep. Garamendi’s long-standing commitments is to preserve the Jones Act, a century-old law mandating that goods transported between U.S. ports are carried on U.S.-flagged vessels. His recent “Close Agency Loopholes to the Jones Act” bill seeks to tighten regulations and eliminate exemptions that have weakened the law’s influence over time.

“This is about protecting American jobs and ensuring that our domestic shipping industry remains strong,” Garamendi explained, framing the Jones Act as essential to maintaining a thriving maritime sector.

Legacy and Legislative Action

Throughout his career, Garamendi has led legislative efforts such as the 2023 Federal Ship Financing Improvement Act, which provides federal loans for ship repairs and retrofits at domestic shipyards like Mare Island Dry Dock. Additionally, his advocacy for increased Maritime Administration (MARAD) funding has supported shipbuilding and repair initiatives, which has expanded the industry’s capacity to meet projected demands.

As the U.S. faces stiff competition from international shipbuilders, Garamendi’s approach provides a roadmap to strengthen American maritime leadership. By supporting sustainable infrastructure, high-quality workforce development, and comprehensive maritime policy, seeks to grow the industry in such a way that is both economically and environmentally beneficial.

Garamendi concluded his address with a hopeful outlook on the future of American maritime strength: “Our maritime future depends on the choices we make today. If we invest wisely, we will ensure a prosperous and secure future for generations to come,” he remarked, describing a vision rooted in progressive ideals, with a balanced approach to defense readiness and environmental stewardship.

We at the Herd Law Firm are proud to fight for seamen, maritime workers and passengers in all types of personal injury and death claims. As maritime personal injury attorneys (and sailors ourselves!) located in northwest Houston, we never waver in our commitment to help these maritime workers, passengers, and their families when they are injured or mistreated.

11/5/2024

Image Credit: Garamendi.house.gov, Shipbuilders Council of America, America Maritime Partnership, Maritime Trades Department, AFL-CIO