Messmer Introduces Bill to Advance Ready Reserve Force Modernization

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. Mark Messmer (R-IN), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, today introduced the Ready Reserve Force Modernization Accountability Act. The bill directs the Navy and Maritime Administration to prioritize finalizing design requirements for new sealift vessels and brief Congress on plans to build and fund them.

The Ready Reserve Force (RRF) is a fleet of approximately around 50 vessels that can carry troops, equipment, fuel, and supplies across oceans during a crisis. It provides nearly half of the federal government's surge sealift capacity. Its ships are more than 45 years old on average.

"Our adversaries should think twice before challenging the United States because they know we can bring a logistical force to a fight that is unmatched anywhere in the world," said Rep. Mark Messmer. "The Ready Reserve Force is a major part of that advantage. We need to replace its aging ships so our military can continue to move troops, equipment, and supplies wherever they are needed. This bill is a step toward maintaining that edge."

"The Ready Reserve Force (RRF) is only as ready as its ships, and too many of them were built decades ago," said Senator Dave McCormick. "We need to treat this moment with the urgency it deserves by finalizing the design for new RRF vessels and laying out how they will be built and paid for. Shipyards can't hire, train, and invest based on intentions alone. I applaud Representatives Messmer and Courtney for recognizing the stakes and introducing this bipartisan companion to S. 4630."

"There's no question that maintaining our nation's Ready Reserve Force is national security priority, and the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee remains committed to enabling the Navy, TRANSCOM, and MARAD to recapitalize the fleet. That's why, in the FY23 NDAA, we mandated the use of the successful vessel construction manager model for this program. I look forward to the continued work between Congress and the Navy to ensure successful deliveries of new RFF vessels," said Rep. Joe Courtney.

BACKGROUND:

The Ready Reserve Force Modernization Accountability Act directs the Secretary of the Navy and the Maritime Administrator to prioritize finalizing design requirements for new RRF vessels.

The bill also requires the Navy, in coordination with the Maritime Administration, to brief Congress within 180 days. The briefing must cover the status of the new vessel design, plans for a vessel construction manager program, funding for the authorized 10-ship construction program, and how purchases of new and used vessels will work together during the transition.

The legislation aims to support military readiness and give domestic shipbuilders greater clarity about the path to replacing the fleet.

To learn more about how Rep. Messmer is supporting America's warfighters and strengthening our national security, click here.

###