The Maritime Action Plan proposes expanding shipyard grant eligibility to large yards—a shift that could reshape competition and small business viability across America’s maritime industrial base, even as Congress approved a record $35 million for FY2026.

The President signed the FY26 federal funding package, fully funding the government. This includes $35 million for the US Maritime Administration’s Small Shipyard Grant Program.

In support of the Senate’s Sea Change: Reviving Commercial Shipbuilding hearing, the Small Shipyard Grant Coalition reaffirmed its support for expanding the Small Shipyard Grant Program. Founder Dave Matsuda called it “a model of success,” urging Congress to pass the SHIPS for America Act which boosts funding, modernizes U.S. shipyards, and strengthen the nation’s maritime base.