U.S. Representatives Mike Kelly (R-PA) and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) introduced the Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act, legislation which aims to strengthen U.S. shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing by encouraging long-term private investment through the creation of Maritime Prosperity Zones (MPZs).
Establish Maritime Prosperity Zones to encourage long-term private and allied investment in U.S. shipbuilding, maritime manufacturing, and waterfront communities.
Occurrences
Evidence
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GovInfo lists H.R. 9911 as introduced in House on July 23, 2026 by Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania, referred to the Committee on Ways and Means, with the full title allowing maritime prosperity zones to be designated as qualified opportunity zones.
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The bill text would treat designated maritime prosperity zones as qualified opportunity zones, limits designations to 100 census tracts, sets amendments to take effect after December 31, 2026, and directs Commerce to begin nominations by July 1, 2027.
Assessments
Mike Kelly introduced H.R. 9911, the Shipbuilding Investment and Workforce Act, in the 119th Congress to create Maritime Prosperity Zones through the qualified opportunity zone framework. That materially matches the promised policy and shows a serious legislative attempt during his current federal House term. However, the record only shows introduction and referral to Ways and Means, with no enactment and no designated Maritime Prosperity Zones as of August 20, 2026. Because the bill is pending rather than defeated or enacted, the promise remains unresolved rather than delivered.