President Trump’s second term came crashing into D.C. like a tidal wave, including torrents of executive orders on all matter of topics, leaving almost no corner of American life and global relations unaffected. The U.S. maritime industry is no exception.  

On April 30, Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) together with several original co-sponsors re-introduced in the U.S. Senate the SHIPS for America Act, first introduced in December 2024, divided into two bills. Companion legislation was also introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Trent Kelly (R-MS) and Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA). This is a major, historic effort to revitalize the U.S. merchant marine. The legislation had to be re-introduced to be considered by the new U.S. Congress which commenced in January.