As the U.S. Navy grapples with outdated maintenance facilities and a fleet stretched by maintenance backlogs, a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers is proposing a $25 billion cash infusion for public and private shipyards. The timing coincides with debate on a massive infrastructure package. The additional money would fully fund the Navy's 20-year, $21 billion public shipyard recapitalization plan in a single year, with flexibility to spend that money over time. Another $4 billion for private shipyards that build and maintain the fleet makes up the rest. The 11-page Shipyard Act, introduced April 28, comes after President Joe Biden proposed a $2.25 trillion infrastructure package and Republicans made a $568 billion counteroffer. The sponsors - all from shipbuilding states - pointed to the economic value of the yards and how improvements would support a larger fleet to counter China's growing naval ambitions.
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