SOS Act of 2025

This bill would create a temporary national commission to take a hard look at America’s maritime industry—shipyards, shipbuilding and repair, harbors, and the skilled workers who keep them running—with a focus on national defense needs. The commission would study where things stand now and what the next 10 years could look like, then recommend ways to strengthen the fleet, support U.S. shipbuilding, and protect American maritime jobs.

The commission would also examine barriers and possible actions, like the tax and regulatory load on the industry, incentives to invest in shipyards and to grow a skilled workforce, the impact of foreign subsidies, and how great-power competition or war could affect U.S. naval and maritime forces. It may advise putting national security first in key regulatory reviews.

• Who is affected: Maritime workers and trainees; shipbuilders and shipyards; U.S.-flag vessel operators; shippers; and national security agencies involved in maritime matters.
• What changes: A 15-member voting commission, plus 7 non-voting members from Navy, Coast Guard, and related maritime institutions, would study the industry and provide policy recommendations. Members would not be paid but would get travel expenses.
• When: The first meeting would occur within 90 days after two-thirds of voting members are appointed. A report to the President and Congress would be due within one year, and the commission would end 30 days after delivering that report.