Kennedy Slams Navy’s Lag Behind China in Shipbuilding

Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana has raised alarms over the U.S. Navy’s shrinking fleet, arguing that despite doubled funding over two decades, the U.S. is retiring ships faster than it builds them, losing ground to China’s growing naval power. Speaking on the Senate floor, Kennedy urged for empowering private shipyards and slashing bureaucratic red tape to bolster America’s maritime strength.

Over the past 20 years, U.S. Navy shipbuilding budgets have surged from roughly $20 billion to $40 billion annually, yet the fleet has dwindled from 318 ships in 2000 to 296 today. By contrast, China’s navy has expanded to over 360 ships, with projections estimating 440 by 2030, according to naval analysts.

Kennedy, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, emphasized that private shipyards, like those in Louisiana, are critical to reversing this trend. Facilities such as Conrad Shipyards in Morgan City and Textron in Slidell produce vessels vital to naval operations but face delays from excessive regulations.

The senator highlighted the USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79), a Ford-class aircraft carrier built in Newport News, Virginia, as an example of innovation hampered by bureaucracy. Originally slated for 2022 delivery, the ship’s completion was delayed to 2025 due to regulatory and design challenges, costing taxpayers an additional $2.4 billion.

China, meanwhile, constructs ships at a breakneck pace, building 25 vessels annually compared to the U.S.’s 10, per recent defense reports. Kennedy argued that Beijing’s state-controlled shipyards face fewer regulatory hurdles, giving them a clear edge in production speed.

The Trump administration’s Office of Maritime and Industrial Capacity, established in 2025, aims to boost U.S. shipbuilding by streamlining approvals and incentivizing private yards. Kennedy praised this move, noting Louisiana’s shipyards could benefit significantly from such reforms.

Critics, including some Democratic lawmakers, argue that funding alone isn’t the issue, pointing to inefficiencies in naval planning and workforce shortages. They advocate for modernizing existing ships rather than solely focusing on new construction.

Kennedy’s call to action aligns with his broader push to counter China’s influence, including his support for tariffs to address Beijing’s role in the fentanyl crisis. He insists that a stronger navy is essential to deter Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific.

The Pentagon has acknowledged the gap, with Admiral Michael Gilday stating the Navy aims for a 373-ship fleet by 2030. However, ongoing maintenance issues, like those delaying submarines at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, complicate this goal.

Kennedy’s remarks have sparked debate, with posts on X reflecting public frustration over bureaucratic inefficiencies. Many users echoed his call to empower private shipyards, seeing it as vital to national security.

The senator’s push comes as Congress debates the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act, which could allocate $200 million for Louisiana’s naval projects, including vessels built in Morgan City. Kennedy vowed to fight for these funds to keep America competitive on the global stage.