Navy bill pushes faster design work on new military cargo ships

What does this do?

S 4630 directs the Secretary of the Navy and the head of the Maritime Administration to make completing design plans for new Ready Reserve Force ships a top priority. The bill also requires a report to Congress within 180 days covering the design progress of a new roll-on/roll-off cargo vessel, the timeline for hiring a construction manager, annual funding needs for up to 10 new ships, and how the new program will work alongside an existing used-ship buying program.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects the Navy, the Maritime Administration, and U.S. shipyards that could be selected to build the vessels. Military readiness and the broader defense industrial base are also implicated, given the Ready Reserve Force's role in rapidly deploying equipment overseas.

Why does it matter?

The Ready Reserve Force enables the U.S. military to move tanks, trucks, weapons, and other equipment to other parts of the world quickly during a crisis or war. Advancing ship design and planning is part of broader efforts to maintain and modernize the country's military shipping capacity.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Annual cost estimates required
• Up to 10 new ships addressed
• No figures specified in bill

Where does it stand?