Why It Matters

The Transportation Institute faces a critical window to shape the most significant maritime legislation in decades. The U.S. maritime sector is hemorrhaging when it comes to global competitiveness. China builds 1,000 commercial ships annually while the U.S. builds fewer than five. Congress is responding with historic bipartisan momentum, centered on the SHIPS for America Act, which aims to expand the U.S.-flagged international fleet to 250 ships by 2035 through a Maritime Security Trust Fund and enhanced cargo preference rules.

However, an acute mariner workforce shortage—maritime academy enrollment has fallen 30-35 percent over the past decade—threatens expansion feasibility. The Transportation Institute’s $110,000 fourth quarter engagement of Squire Patton Boggs represents a strategic bet that expanded lobbying capacity can secure favorable legislative language and workforce development provisions before momentum shifts.

By the Numbers

The Transportation Institute has spent approximately $8.8 million on lobbying since 2003. The fourth quarter 2025 Squire Patton Boggs engagement continues an existing relationship—the firm has handled 23 prior filings for the Institute from 2020-2026, accumulating $2.26 million in total billings.

The Institute maintains a diversified lobbying roster, simultaneously retaining K&L Gates LLP, which filed on the mariner shortage, Maritime Security Fleet, and SHIPS for America Act. Previous firms include Robertson, Monagle & Eastaugh LLC (77 filings since 2003) and Breaux Lott Leadership Group ($4.2 million spent 2010-2020). Squire Patton Boggs brings expertise in appropriations, trade policy, and defense procurement relevant to current congressional maritime initiatives.

The Agenda

While the fourth quarter filing doesn’t specify issues, the Institute consistently advocates for:

  • Maritime Security Programs: Funding for the Maritime Security Program (MSP) and Tanker Security Program
  • Jones Act Protection: Defense of cabotage laws requiring U.S.-built, owned, and operated vessels for domestic shipping
  • Cargo Preference Laws: Maintaining requirements that government-impelled cargo use U.S.-flagged vessels
  • Trade Policy: Opposition to maritime services inclusion in international trade agreements

The timing suggests focus on pending legislation. K&L Gates is actively lobbying on the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, which aims to expand the U.S.-flagged international fleet through enhanced cargo preference and a Maritime Security Trust Fund.

Broader Context

The Institute’s engagement arrives amid unprecedented congressional momentum for maritime revitalization. The 119th Congress is pursuing the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act, complemented by the Building Ships in America Act, Save Our Shipyards Act, and Federal Maritime Commission Reauthorization.

Congressional hearings in 2025 have focused on shipbuilding capacity and workforce shortages. Bipartisan sponsors like Senators Mark Kelly and Todd Young emphasize the U.S.-China maritime capacity disparity as a national security imperative.

Between The Lines

Congressional maritime activity has reached historic levels, with the SHIPS for America Act emerging as the centerpiece of reform efforts. Recent hearings focus on commercial shipbuilding, infrastructure funding, and workforce development. Environmental legislation is also advancing, including the Clean Shipping Act and International Maritime Pollution Accountability Act.

Competitive Landscape

The Institute isn’t alone in maritime lobbying. Occidental Petroleum Corp. has spent millions quarterly on Jones Act and vessel crewing requirements lobbying. Intermarine LLC has lobbied consistently on Maritime Security Program funding—interests aligned with the Transportation Institute. The intense congressional focus on maritime revitalization has created opportunities for well-resourced advocacy groups to shape major legislation.

The Bottom Line

The Transportation Institute’s strategic expansion of maritime lobbying efforts comes at a pivotal legislative moment. With Congress actively considering major maritime legislation and bipartisan momentum building, the Institute’s enhanced lobbying capacity through Squire Patton Boggs positions it to influence federal spending and policy decisions that will shape the U.S. maritime sector for years ahead.

Access the Legis1 platform for comprehensive political news, data, and insights.

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article