Defense Shipyard Workforce Housing Act of 2025

This bill tells the Department of Defense to study whether it makes sense to offer apartment- or dorm-style housing for civilian workers at certain Navy shipyards. The study must look at costs to build, maintain, or lease units; how housing could help with hiring and keeping workers; effects on morale, commuting, and worker availability; and whether rent could be taken straight from paychecks. It also asks for comparisons to similar federal housing models and case studies from at least two shipyards.

The study would focus on workers at four public shipyards: Norfolk (VA), Pearl Harbor (HI), Portsmouth (ME), and Puget Sound (WA). A report to Congress is due within 18 months after the law takes effect. This does not create housing right away; it starts with research to see if it’s a good idea and how it could work .

• Who is affected: Civilian workers at the Norfolk, Pearl Harbor, Portsmouth, and Puget Sound naval shipyards.
• What changes now: A study only; no new housing is guaranteed yet.
• What the study covers: Costs, benefits for hiring/retention, impact on morale and commuting, payroll rent options, comparisons, and case studies.
• When: Report due 18 months after enactment.