Functions

(a) Investigation and Study The Commission shall complete an investigation and study the condition of the United States maritime industry and any impediments to a strong and competitive United States maritime industry, with a particular focus on the needs of the United States military, including shipyards, shipbuilding and repairs, harbors, and skilled workforce. (b) Policy recommendations Based on the results of the investigation and study under subsection (a), the Commission shall recommend to the President and Congress policies which should be adopted to— (1) achieve the national goal of a strong United States maritime industry which will help to provide for the national defense; (2) revitalize the United States naval fleet and maintain that fleet at a level sufficient to contribute to the national defense; (3) foster a viable United States shipbuilding industry to provide an industrial base for meeting present and future military and civilian shipbuilding needs; and (4) reduce the loss of seafaring and shipbuilding jobs for United States citizens so as to ensure the existence of a reliable maritime labor force.