Bill Overview
Title: To amend title 10, United States Code, to prescribe the minimum number of operational amphibious battle force ships that must be included in the combat forces of the Navy, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill requires that the naval combat forces of the Navy include a minimum of 31 operational amphibious battle force ships, which are commissioned United States Ship warships capable of contributing to combat operations or United States Naval Ships that contribute directly to Navy warfighting or support missions. Such a ship that is temporarily unavailable for worldwide deployment due to routine or scheduled maintenance or repair counts towards the requirement.
Sponsors: Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1]
Target Audience
Population: People involved or influenced by policies regarding US Navy amphibious battle force ships
Estimated Size: 500000
- The bill focuses on the operational capabilities and specific resources of the United States Navy, particularly the amphibious battle force ships.
- This directly affects military personnel who are involved with the operation, maintenance, or support of amphibious battle force ships.
- Contractors and shipbuilding companies may experience changes in demand based on the requirement to maintain a specific number of operational ships.
- US citizens benefit indirectly through national security improvements.
- Naval strategy and preparedness could impact international relations.
Reasoning
- The policy is highly specific to the Navy and those involved with the operation of amphibious battle force ships.
- People affected include Navy personnel, contractors, and shipbuilders, primarily within the defense sector. The policy also impacts the broader population indirectly through its national security implications.
- The direct impact on civilians is minimal, although indirect benefits may arise from perceived increases in national security.
- The policy budget allows for some initial costs but focuses on the long-term maintenance and readiness of the naval fleet.
Simulated Interviews
Navy Officer (San Diego, CA)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy ensures our readiness and capability to handle amphibious operations effectively.
- More ships mean better security and job stability for my team.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Defense Contractor (Norfolk, VA)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy gives us more contracts and helps maintain the workforce.
- Long-term, it stabilizes operations for us.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Shipbuilder (Mobile, AL)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased demand boosts employment and local economy.
- It's great for job security and skills development.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 3 |
Defense Analyst (Washington D.C.)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy strengthens our military preparedness.
- There may be geopolitical repercussions or benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Academic Researcher in Military Studies (Boston, MA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased operational ships offer more data and opportunities for research.
- The policy aligns with strategic goals but needs careful assessment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Environmental Activist (Seattle, WA)
Age: 47 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy could increase environmental risks if not managed well.
- We need more focus on sustainable practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 4 |
Retired Navy Veteran (Chicago, IL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This policy signals strong government support for Navy veterans.
- I feel more secure about my pension.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Navy Family Support Worker (Honolulu, HI)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Improved operations mean more stability for Navy families.
- It can foster better living conditions for the community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Local Government Official (Gulfport, MS)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Policy can bolster local job market and infrastructure.
- Challenges include managing increased demand on services.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
International Relations Expert (Jacksonville, FL)
Age: 40 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The increased naval capacity can improve our global standing.
- Could lead to shifts in international alliances.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000000 (Low: $400000000, High: $600000000)
Year 2: $510000000 (Low: $410000000, High: $610000000)
Year 3: $520000000 (Low: $420000000, High: $620000000)
Year 5: $540000000 (Low: $440000000, High: $640000000)
Year 10: $580000000 (Low: $480000000, High: $680000000)
Year 100: $1000000000 (Low: $800000000, High: $1200000000)
Key Considerations
- The number of amphibious ships currently available in the Navy's fleet will significantly dictate initial costs.
- Ship modernization and maintenance is essential and constitutes a recurring cost, depending on ship age and mission requirements.
- Policy may encourage extended production cycles or news orders for shipbuilders, impacting economic aspects of coastal states.
- Balancing operational readiness with budgetary constraints poses a key management challenge for the Navy.
- Contractual issues with suppliers and impacts on military personnel policies also need consideration.