A Senate panel on Wednesday is expected to move the nomination of a key figure in implementing bipartisan plans to expand domestic shipbuilding to make the US more competitive against China.
Stephen Carmel will likely receive approval from the Senate Commerce Committee to lead the US Maritime Administration within the Transportation Department. If confirmed by the full chamber, he would oversee efforts to expand US-flagged ships and recruit more mariners. President Donald Trump outlined those goals in an April executive order. The bipartisan SHIPS for America Act (S.1541) would codify them.
Carmel’s confirmation could jumpstart the effort after ...