Legislation Proposed to Exempt Public Shipyard Personnel from Hiring Restrictions
WASHINGTON — Growing concerns over the repercussions of widespread federal hiring freezes and layoffs in the shipbuilding sector have led a group of senators to propose legislation that would exempt personnel at the nation's public shipyards from such restrictions.
Details of the Proposed Law
The proposed law mandates the Department of Defense to exclude a range of civilian roles at America's four public shipyards—including Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth—from job reductions. This includes positions such as welders, engineers, mechanics, painters, blasters, apprentices, and staff involved in nuclear maintenance and refueling.
Additionally, the bill seeks to eliminate hiring caps for these critical roles to shield shipyard workers from the staffing cuts initiated under the previous administration’s policies.
Statements from Lawmakers
"Our shipyard workforce is a vital part of our national defense and readiness—they should not have been subjected to unwarranted hiring freezes," stated Senator Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H.