Why It Matters
The Maritime Institute for Research and Industrial Development (MIRAID) is pushing Congress to address a critical national security gap: the U.S. maritime industrial base has collapsed relative to global competitors, particularly China. The Institute’s fourth quarter lobbying focuses on the SHIPS for America Act, Coast Guard Authorization, and noncontiguous shipping legislation—all aimed at rebuilding domestic shipbuilding capacity and developing the skilled workforce needed for expansion. Bipartisan coalitions have backed these bills through hearings, and the administration has made maritime dominance a priority.
By the Numbers
MIRAID reported $60,000 in the last quarter of 2025 in in-house lobbying expenses, continuing its specialized maritime advocacy since 2003. The organization has filed 94 disclosures totaling $5.56 million, with in-house efforts accounting for $5.49 million.
Veteran lobbyist C. James Patti serves as MIRAID’s sole registered lobbyist, exclusively representing the organization since August 2003 with 76 disclosures totaling over $5.1 million. This continuity distinguishes MIRAID from its brief 2005-2010 engagement with Venable LLP.
The Agenda
MIRAID is lobbying on six maritime bills this quarter: the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, three noncontiguous shipping bills (HR 665, HR 666, HR 667), the SHIPS for America Act of 2025, and the Building Ships in America Act of 2025.
These bills address U.S. maritime industry revitalization, including shipbuilding modernization, workforce development, and shipping regulations—reflecting MIRAID’s two-decade focus on U.S.-flag merchant marine issues and domestic shipping policy.
Broader Context
China operates roughly 300 shipyards compared to America’s eight, controlling 75 percent of global new vessel orders while the U.S. accounts for just 0.2 percent. This capacity crisis prompted the Trump administration to pursue a $350 billion investment deal with South Korea, with $150 billion allocated to maritime investment.
The workforce shortage presents an acute bottleneck. The current shipbuilding workforce of approximately 146,500 faces demands projected to more than double over the next decade, while the average worker age sits at 55. Trump’s executive order in April 2025 on restoring "America’s Maritime Dominance" creates receptive conditions for MIRAID’s agenda.
However, the Jones Act debate remains contested. While Representatives Ed Case and James Moylan push bills restricting Jones Act provisions, Rep. Joe Courtney warns repeal would "decimate" the U.S. merchant marine.
Between The Lines
Congress is actively advancing the maritime legislation MIRAID is targeting. The SHIPS for America Act has drawn bipartisan support, with Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Todd Young (R-IN) leading efforts to rebuild domestic fleet capacity. The Senate Commerce Committee held hearings on reviving commercial shipbuilding, while the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee examined maritime infrastructure challenges.
On Coast Guard modernization, the House Coast Guard Subcommittee revealed a $7 billion infrastructure backlog, underscoring urgency behind the authorization bill.
Competitive Landscape
Multiple stakeholders are actively lobbying on maritime issues. Intermarine LLC and US Ocean LLC have engaged Jones Walker LLP throughout 2025 to lobby on the Maritime Security Program. Occidental Petroleum Corporation has advocated on Jones Act vessel crewing provisions as part of broader energy lobbying efforts.
The Bottom Line
MIRAID’s $60,000 fourth quarter 2025 lobbying expenditure continues its focused maritime advocacy as Congress shows genuine receptivity to shipbuilding revitalization. While the organization finds bipartisan support for the SHIPS Act and Coast Guard modernization, its Jones Act reform efforts face resistance even from traditional maritime allies, highlighting divisions within industry ranks.
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