Ensuring Naval Readiness Act

This bill would let the U.S. Navy build ships, or major parts of ships, in certain allied foreign shipyards when it would cost less than building them in the U.S. It limits this to shipyards in NATO countries or in Indo‑Pacific countries that have a mutual defense treaty with the U.S. The Navy would have to certify to Congress that the foreign shipyard is not owned or run by a Chinese company or a multinational based in China before work starts.

Key points

• Who is affected: The U.S. Navy and shipyards in allied countries; U.S. taxpayers who fund Navy ships.
• What changes: An exception to the current ban on building Navy ships overseas, but only in approved allied nations, only if it’s cheaper, and with a certification blocking any Chinese‑owned or China‑based companies from involvement.
• When: This would take effect by changing existing law after it is enacted; certification is required before any foreign construction begins.