Panels, seminars, conferences, reports, speeches, and emotion do not build a navy. Even shipyards do not build a navy. In the American system of government, if you want a navy you have to go up to Capitol Hill and get Congress to fund it.Without money, everything else is just a PDF.What is the state of play in bringing the argument for sea power to Congress?
Returning to the Midrats Podcast just in time for the Senate’s August recess is Brent Sadler, CAPT, USN (Ret.).
Brent is a Senior Research Fellow for Naval Warfare and Advanced Technology in the Douglas and Sarah Allison Center for National Security at The Heritage Foundation, and a retired U.S. Navy Captain.Show Links
- SHIPS for America Act
- Sal’s exchange with Tom Karako
- Books by Brent Sadler
- Brent Sadler on LinkedIn
- Brent Sadler on X
**Summary**
In this episode, Mark and Sal discuss with their guest Brent Sadler the legislative process behind maritime security, the SHIPS for America Act, and the importance of industrial capacity in national defense. Brent emphasizes the need for bipartisan support and strategic planning to strengthen America’s maritime industrial base and national security.
**Chapters**
00:00: Introduction
02:14: The legislative process and seasonality in Congress
08:05: Status and details of the Ships for America Act
12:13: Bipartisan support and legislative challenges
17:00: The role of congressional staffers in policy making
21:54: Strategic importance of maritime industrial capacity
27:07: The impact of recent Navy funding and shipbuilding efforts
34:00: The need for reform in defense organizational structures
43:10: The importance of strategic communication and advocacy
