Republican Senator Roger Wicker painted a dire picture during a confirmation hearing last month for businessman John Phelan as navy secretary.
"Just about every major US shipbuilding program is behind schedule, over budget or irreparably off track," said Wicker, who chairs the Armed Services Committee.
- Worker shortage -
Shipbuilders say their work is regularly complicated by last-minute changes requested by the navy, which cause delays and budget overages.
Another problem is a severe worker shortage.