Save Our Ships Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5970
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-30T08:05:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose of the Legislation
The "Save Our Ships Act" (H.R. 5970) aims to create a federal grant program to fund the physical preservation of historic military ships and submarines. This ensures these vessels remain accessible to the public for educational purposes about U.S. military maritime history and to inspire future naval and maritime careers.
Key Provisions
- Establishment and Administration: Creates the Historic Naval Ship Preservation Grant Program within the Department of the Interior (DOI). The Secretary of the Interior, through the National Park Service (NPS), administers the program in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Defense (DOD).
- Grant Activities: Grants are awarded competitively to support:
- Conservation and preservation of historic military vessels at public sites, including repairs, upkeep, and addressing environmental risks like rust or pollution.
- Educational and workforce training programs focused on military maritime fields, such as shipbuilding and submarine construction.
- Eligibility and Application: Grants go to state or local government units or private nonprofit organizations that manage "covered sites" (e.g., museums, memorials, or educational centers displaying historic vessels to the public). Applicants must submit details as required by the Secretary.
- Funding: Authorizes $5 million annually starting in fiscal year 2026 and continuing each year thereafter.
- Definitions:
- Historic military vessel: A decommissioned ship or submarine previously owned and operated by the DOD or Coast Guard (excluding chartered vessels), or built for the U.S. Maritime Commission with armaments and Navy personnel during service.
- Covered site: Any public venue providing access to or displaying these vessels.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new grant program, with no direct amendments to prior laws. It builds on existing federal preservation efforts (e.g., through NPS) by specifically targeting naval vessels and involving inter-agency consultation, but it does not alter current statutes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The DOI and NPS gain responsibility for program management and grant distribution, requiring coordination with DHS and DOD. This could increase administrative workload but also foster collaboration on military heritage. Annual funding of $5 million may strain budgets if not fully appropriated by Congress.
- Citizens: Enhances public access to historic vessels for education and inspiration, potentially boosting tourism at museums and memorials. Workforce programs could create training opportunities in maritime industries, benefiting communities near shipyards or naval sites.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though preserved vessels may indirectly support U.S. soft power by showcasing military history to global visitors.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- State and Local Governments: Eligible for grants to maintain public sites with historic vessels.
- Private Nonprofits: Organizations running museums, memorials, or educational centers focused on naval history.
- Public and Educators: Gain from preserved artifacts and new training programs in maritime careers.
- Military and Industry Groups: DOD, Coast Guard, and shipbuilding sectors benefit from workforce development and historical preservation.
- Bipartisan Sponsors: Introduced by Representatives Norcross, Bacon, and others, indicating support from diverse congressional districts with naval ties.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes a competitive grant process under federal administrative law, with clear eligibility criteria to ensure public benefit and prevent misuse of funds. The authorization of appropriations gives Congress flexibility in funding without mandating expenditures.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's powers under Article I to appropriate funds for national preservation and education, promoting the general welfare through historical access.
- Political: As a bipartisan bill referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources, it emphasizes non-controversial military heritage preservation, potentially appealing across party lines without major fiscal or regulatory burdens.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1]
Cosponsors (9)
Rep. Bacon, Don [R-NE-2], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19], Rep. Kennedy, Timothy M. [D-NY-26], Rep. Barragán, Nanette Diaz [D-CA-44], Rep. Boyle, Brendan F. [D-PA-2], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Recent Actions
- 2025-11-07: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
- 2025-11-07: Introduced in House
- 2025-11-07: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Save Our Ships Act — issued 2025-11-07 — PDF (4 pages)