32 Members of Congress and 18 U.S. Senators signaled support for grant funding in FY2024
As Congress begins the FY2024 budget process, the Small Shipyard Grant Program continues to enjoy strong bipartisan support. In the past couple of weeks, 32 Members of the U.S. House of Representatives, led by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Chairman Daniel Webster (R-FL) and Ranking Member Salud Carbajal (D-CA), formally requested funds in the budget. On the other side of the Hill, 18 U.S. Senators, led by Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), signed on to make the request. Thanks to the leadership of these stalwart Congressional champions, as well as the many Coalition members who reached out to their legislators, this year marks the second-highest number of signatories on these requests since the Coalition was formed eight years ago.
Read the FY24 Senate letter of support  | Read the FY24 House letter of support  |
President's budget request continues support
Recognizing the value that the program brings to small American shipyards, President Biden requested $20 million for the Small Shipyard Grant Program in the FY2024 Presidential Budget request for the third year in a row.
Inclusion in the annual Presidential budget (pg. 66 of the pdf) is a key step, as it establishes a baseline level for Congress.
Congressional support key to securing annual funding
Ultimately, Congress decides whether to fund the program and at what level. As you've heard us say many times--if you don't ask for the funds from Congress and support that request, the program will be cut. The Coalition was created after Congress eliminated funding for the program in 2014 & 2015, due to the lack of organized support. Your support of the Coalition's work is critical to for the future of the Small Shipyard Grant Program.
Next steps: What you can to do keep building support
Do you see your U.S. Senator or Member of Congress on these letters? If so, please thank them! If not, let them know you care about the program and ask them to do what they can to support this funding throughout the year-long budget process. Either way, they need to hear from you over the next several months. Here's how you can do it:
Find your Representative and Senators through the links below.
Call their office and request a discussion with the Member or staff. Even invite them to your facility!
Use the opportunity to let them know the value this program provides to your business and all of America's small shipyards.
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For more assistance on how to engage with your federal representatives or create a successful event, email Erika Young, coalition director, at erika@matsuda-llc.com.