Washington, District of Columbia – May 24, 2018 – The Energizing American Shipbuilding Act was unveiled yesterday at a press conference during National Maritime Day. This is a bipartisan, bicameral effort to solve a critical national security problem, reduce costs for our Navy shipbuilding program, build 50 new U.S. tankers, and create thousands of manufacturing and maritime jobs by 2040.
Co-Leads of this bill include: Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS); Congressman John Garamendi (Ranking Member, T&I Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee); Congressman Duncan Hunter (Chairman, T&I Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee); Congressman Rob Wittman (Chairman, HASC Seapower Subcommittee); Congressman Joe Courtney (Ranking Member, HASC Seapower Subcommittee) and Congressman Peter DeFazio (Ranking Member, House T&I Committee).
One of the key supporters of this bill is the American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association (ASSA). ”ASSA is in full support of the Energizing American Shipbuilding Act. We are a strong supporter of this bill and we look forward to it being passed to help further benefit and grow our American manufacturing base,” said Chris Cikanovich, President, ASSA.
In attendance at the press conference was Carl Fisher, ASSA Founding member and current ASSA Board of Directors Member. “It was an exciting announcement to be a part of today. I thank Senator Wicker and Congressman John Garamendi and all the other supporters of this important legislation,” said Fisher. “It is actions like this that will ensure the continued prosperity of our shipbuilding industry and manufacturing base which is vital to our success as a nation. We owe a big debt of gratitude to the leaders who are making this happen.”
As a member driven organization, ASSA advocates for the US shipbuilding supplier community directly to Congress, the Navy and the Coast Guard on industry-wide issues. These issues
include: unfair foreign competition, Jones Act, liquidated damages, impact of Federal budget cuts, etc. ASSA is committed to ensuring the shipbuilding supplier base remains viable and ready to meet any future ship construction build up required to defend the United States.
In addition to providing the latest supplier industry information directly from the US Government, ASSA provides suppliers with target rich networking opportunities with senior decision makers from the industry. Our member companies supply the Navy, Coast Guard and commercial shipbuilders with critical equipment such as radars, navigation systems, engines, generators, reduction gears, air compressors, valves, switchboards, power converters, circuit breakers, and power cables.
ASSA Media Contact:
Laura Haas COO American Shipbuilding Suppliers Association 434.249.7442 laura.haas.assa@gmail.com