South OC Times

Congressman Darrell Issa has reached out to President Donald Trump, advocating for San Diego as a prime location for the newly announced White House Office of Shipbuilding. In his letter, Issa praised the initiative as "timely and farsighted" and emphasized San Diego's potential role in this national effort.

Issa stated, “As a Representative of the region, San Diego is optimally positioned to be a central partner in this industrial renewal and expansion of maritime greatness.” He urged the administration to consider San Diego as an "ideal choice" for America’s new “maritime opportunity zones.”

The congressman highlighted America's historical shipbuilding achievements during World War II but noted a significant decline in production since then. According to Issa, “by the 1970s, our nation produced about 15-20 ships per year,” with numbers dropping further in subsequent decades. This reduction has led to what he described as a "critical shortfall of capability and tonnage capacity."

Issa expressed confidence in President Trump's leadership to address these challenges: “With your leadership and the focused effort of your Administration, I am confident that the era of pontificating about the problem is over, and a new age of American maritime greatness is at hand and ahead.”

Darrell Issa represents California’s 48th Congressional District which includes parts of San Diego County. He previously chaired the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform from 2011-2015.