Bill · H.R. 4951· House(119-HR-4951)
Ensuring Naval Readiness Act
- Introduced
- 8/12/2025
- Last activity
- 8/12/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Mike Kennedy
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Ensuring Naval Readiness Act," aims to change current laws regarding naval vessel construction. It proposes an exception to the existing rule that prohibits building naval vessels in foreign shipyards. Under this act, construction could occur in specific foreign locations if certain conditions are met. These locations must be NATO member countries or countries in the Indo-Pacific Region with mutual defense treaties with the United States. Additionally, the foreign construction must cost less than building it in a domestic shipyard. The Secretary of the Navy would also be required to certify that the shipyard is not owned or operated by companies from China before work begins.
Yes
Does this reduce what the federal government spends?+5
The bill allows for naval construction in foreign shipyards if it is more cost-effective than domestic construction.
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+4
The bill encourages construction partnerships with NATO members and Indo-Pacific countries with mutual defense treaties.
Would business owners be better off under this?+3
The bill provides opportunities for foreign shipyards in allied nations to secure US naval contracts.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Cost Savings: The bill allows for construction in foreign shipyards if the cost is less than constructing the vessel in a domestic shipyard (Section 2, subsection (b), paragraph (1)(A)(B)). This could result in more efficient use of funds for naval construction.
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Strengthening Alliances: By allowing construction in NATO member countries or Indo-Pacific countries with mutual defense treaties, the bill utilizes specific international partnerships (Section 2, subsection (b), paragraph (1)(A)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Security Risks: While the bill requires a certification to ensure shipyards are not owned or operated by Chinese companies or those domiciled in the People's Republic of China, the transition allows for construction outside of the United States (Section 2, subsection (b), paragraph (3)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Reduces Government Spending+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+4
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+3
- 8/12/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.