Congressman Bobby Scott, U.S. Representative for Virginia’s 3rd District
On February 18, 2025, the Virginia Ship Repair Association welcomed Congressman Bobby Scott as the first luncheon guest speaker of 2025 at ODU’s Chartway Arena’s Big Blue Room. Addressing a packed audience of Association members, Scott provided an overview of legislative and economic factors affecting the ship repair industry, including workforce development, federal budget appropriations, and national security policies. His remarks focused on the relationship between government funding and the stability of industries that rely on federal contracts, particularly ship repair and defense.
A central topic of discussion was the ongoing impact of continuing resolutions (CRs) and delayed federal appropriations. Scott explained how the uncertainty surrounding long-term budget decisions can affect workforce retention, project timelines, and overall industry stability. He noted that funding predictability is essential for ship repair businesses and the larger defense supply chain, which includes thousands of subcontractors across the country. As a co-chair of the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus, Scott emphasized that changes in funding allocations could directly influence shipbuilding, maintenance, and modernization efforts, particularly within the submarine industrial base.
Another key focus was workforce development and skills training. Scott highlighted legislative initiatives aimed at expanding apprenticeship programs, reskilling efforts, and technical education, which are critical in addressing workforce shortages. He also referenced bipartisan efforts to expand Pell Grant eligibility for high-quality, short-term workforce training programs, allowing more individuals to access career pathways in skilled trades, including ship repair. Scott acknowledged the role of community colleges and industry partnerships in equipping the next generation of workers with essential skills and certifications.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, where VSRA members had the opportunity to ask about federal budget priorities, workforce challenges, and industry-specific legislation. Scott provided insights into ongoing policy discussions in Congress and how they may impact the industry in the coming years. His visit offered his look at the legislative landscape affecting ship repair and related trades, giving attendees information on potential challenges and opportunities ahead.
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