Sens. John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy, along with Rep. Clay Higgins, have called on U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth to consider Louisiana’s shipyards for future contracts as the Department of War seeks to increase the nation’s shipbuilding capacity.
In a letter to Secretary Hegseth, the lawmakers stated, “We write to encourage the Department of War to give deliberate and sustained consideration to small and mid-sized domestic shipyards, including those in South Louisiana, when awarding shipbuilding, repair, modernization, and sustainment contracts, as the Department works to restore America’s shipbuilding capacity and strengthen the nation’s defense industrial base.”
They further wrote, “Louisiana’s small and mid-sized shipyards already operate in a manner consistent with the Department’s stated aim to prioritize speed, innovation, and a ‘commercial-first’ mindset in defense acquisition. . . . That operating model enables them to adapt quickly to evolving requirements, integrate new technologies, and deliver complex vessels at pace—capabilities that directly support the Department’s effort to modernize procurement and strengthen the defense industrial base.”
The legislators also emphasized workforce development: “Equally important, these yards anchor a strong and sustained maritime workforce. South Louisiana’s shipbuilding workforce is deep, experienced, and generational—comprised of welders, fitters, naval architects, engineers, electricians, machinists, and other skilled tradesmen. Investing in stable, long-term contract opportunities helps grow this workforce, preserves productive careers, and ensures capacity to deliver for warfighters today and in the decades to come.”
They concluded by stating their willingness for continued dialogue: “We appreciate the Department’s leadership on these issues and welcome continued engagement on how best to ensure the full American shipbuilding industrial base is positioned to support national defense.”
Senator Kennedy has previously questioned military officials about China’s rapid progress in shipbuilding compared with that of the United States. He noted that over two decades “we’ve retired more [ships] than we’ve built.” Kennedy has also highlighted private American shipyards’ role—including those in Louisiana—as vital for helping U.S. military efforts keep pace with global competitors.
Senator John Kennedy represents Louisiana in the United States Senate. He leads initiatives related to veterans’ affairs, national security policy development for small businesses and farmers across his state (official website). Kennedy operates offices throughout Louisiana—including Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lake Charles, Monroe, New Orleans and Shreveport—and serves on several key Senate committees such as Banking Housing & Urban Affairs; Appropriations; Budget; Energy & Natural Resources (official website).
