US Proposal Targets 10,000 Prisoners for Naval Shipbuilding as China Builds Ships 230 Times Faster
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 8
US Proposal Targets 10,000 Prisoners for Naval Shipbuilding as China Builds Ships 230 Times Faster
2 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 8
Summary
A new U.S. proposal would train incarcerated people for shipyard jobs to help rebuild the naval fleet, with advocates saying an initial multi-state push could produce 10,000 skilled workers.
The plan responds to a severe maritime labor shortage and a long decline in U.S. shipbuilding capacity, with supporters citing claims that China now builds ships 230 times faster and completes repairs 90% faster.
Welding, pipefitting and fabrication training would be aimed at screened, low-level offenders, using prison-based programs or supervised work details tied to shipyards and organized labor.
A key hurdle is security clearance: workers needing access to secure shipyard areas must hold TWIC credentials, so the proposal calls for targeted TSA waivers and tighter-than-normal screening.
Backers frame the idea as both a defense measure and a reentry program, arguing it could cut recidivism while supporting President Donald Trump's 2025 order to restore U.S. maritime dominance.