Senator Mark Kelly Advocates for Strengthening U.S. Maritime Capacity in Senate Hearing

In a recent Senate Armed Services Committee hearing, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly took center stage, urging the United States to enhance its maritime capabilities in the face of growing competition from China. Kelly, a Navy combat veteran and the only U.S. Merchant Marine Academy graduate currently serving in Congress, passionately addressed the critical need to strengthen America’s merchant fleet and maritime infrastructure to safeguard national security.

Senator Kelly’s call to action stems from a harsh reality: China’s maritime dominance poses a significant challenge to the U.S. With over 5,500 merchant ships worldwide under its control, China vastly overshadows the United States, which has only about 80 merchant ships flying the American flag in international commerce. Kelly underscored that this disparity presents not just economic disadvantages, but also profound national security risks.

Addressing Lt. General Randall Reed, the nominee for Commander of U.S. Transportation Command, Kelly stressed the strategic dangers of the current maritime gap. “We need investments now to be ready for tomorrow,” Kelly asserted, highlighting that the lack of sufficient commercial maritime capacity could cripple America’s ability to maintain supply chains in peacetime and provide logistical support to troops during conflicts.

Kelly’s concerns were met with acknowledgment by General Reed, who recognized the indispensable role of the commercial maritime industry in the U.S. Transportation Command’s (USTRANSCOM) operations. “If confirmed as a TRANSCOM commander, there is no way that I can do my mission without the commercial industry,” Reed admitted, signaling a shared understanding of the urgency to bolster maritime strength.

The potential consequences of failing to address this gap are far-reaching. The U.S. maritime industry not only supports vital economic trade but also serves as a backbone for national defense. In times of crisis, the country must have a robust and reliable fleet to transport essential goods and military supplies. Without these capabilities, the U.S. risks becoming vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and strategic disadvantages on the global stage.

Senator Kelly’s advocacy goes beyond rhetoric; he is actively working on legislation aimed at rebuilding America’s commercial maritime industry and enhancing the U.S.-flagged international fleet. “That’s why I’m developing legislation to rebuild our commercial maritime industry and our U.S.-flagged international fleet,” Kelly declared during the hearing, emphasizing that action is imperative to ensure future readiness.

This push for a stronger maritime industry is part of Kelly’s ongoing efforts to address national security and trade challenges. His initiatives include authoring the Congressional Guidance for a National Maritime Strategy and introducing the “Strategic Ports Reporting Act of 2024.” These measures aim to create a more robust maritime framework, ensuring that the United States remains competitive and secure in an era of great power rivalry.

General Reed expressed support for Kelly’s legislative initiatives, acknowledging their importance to USTRANSCOM’s mission. “The fact that you just mentioned legislation, I’m not sure what’s in it, but I think that absolves me of one instance of asking for help from this committee,” Reed remarked, indicating a readiness to work with Congress to strengthen U.S. maritime capacity.

Kelly’s efforts highlight a growing awareness in Congress of the strategic importance of the maritime industry. As the U.S. grapples with China’s expanding influence, building a formidable commercial fleet and maintaining control over critical supply chains are becoming top priorities. Senator Kelly’s advocacy reminds us that maritime strength is not just a matter of trade, but a cornerstone of national security.

With the introduction of new legislation and bipartisan initiatives, Kelly is paving the way for a revitalized U.S. maritime industry. His commitment to this cause signals a turning point in how America approaches maritime strategy, one that seeks to secure the nation’s economic future and bolster its defense capabilities in an increasingly uncertain world.

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.

9/29/2024

Image Credit: United States Museum of American History