Shipbuilders Find Common Ground with Key Lawmakers

Published January 22, 2025

Newport News Shipbuilding employees visited the General Assembly last week, meeting with delegates and senators to highlight company priorities.

Some 3,000 pieces of legislation will be considered during the 2025 legislative session, which lasts only a few weeks. Lawmakers convened on Jan. 8 and are scheduled to conclude their business on Feb. 22. Shipbuilders wasted no time visiting lawmakers’ offices, armed with handouts and talking points.

Patrick Harpster (O20) said spending the day at the Capitol offered “a purposeful way to interact” and to communicate with “urgency and brevity” in the whirlwind of a legislative day.

Vanessa Rastberger (K18) focuses on workforce development for NNS. She said the visit was a great opportunity for shipbuilders to share their personal stories and explain the importance of workforce development in meeting challenges that lie ahead.

Lawmakers said they appreciated hearing from shipbuilders.

“You have to have a continual education process,” said Del. N. Baxter Ennis, R-Chesapeake.

Hearing from constituents “makes the issues we consider come to life,” added Sen. Emily Jordan, R-Windsor.

Two issues stand out for NNS: workforce development and increased penalties for drone operators who trespass over defense facilities and other sensitive locations.

Workforce development is an ongoing priority at NNS, which wants to widen the pipeline of qualified men and women in high-demand trade and technical fields.

After visiting with lawmakers, shipbuilders heard from Dr. David Dore, chancellor of the Virginia Community College System. NNS supports additional investment in VCCS.

“We are an important pipeline for you,” he said. “The more the state invests in the community college system, the more they can help you.”

Wrapping up the day was a speech from Juan Pablo Segura, chief deputy secretary of Commerce and Trade, who supports increased marketing for the Hampton Roads region.

“The one way to project strength is to build great things,” he said. “You are building great ships.”

Spending the day at the General Assembly is an annual event, and it pays dividends, said Jonathan Ward (K18) government affairs representative.

“HII Day at the General Assembly is an opportunity for our team members and suppliers to share their stories and showcase the hard work and dedication that drives the company’s success,” he said. “By communicating our team members’ personal experiences, we help lawmakers understand the vital role our entire enterprise plays in supporting both our nation’s defense and Virginia’s economy.”