The introduction of the 11-page Shipyard Act comes after President Joe Biden proposed a $2.25 trillion infrastructure package and Republicans made a $568 billion counteroffer.
Austin's first talks in Israel since he became Pentagon chief in January come as the United States seeks to leverage Middle East diplomatic progress made by the Trump administration.
Applications for the Senior Executive Service may face delays as the Office of Personnel Management has placed a hold on a final step in the hiring process.
A 63-day strike at Bath Iron Works — against the backdrop of a pandemic in an election year — came to an end Sunday with shipbuilders voting to return to their jobs producing warships for the United States Navy.
Four senators representing the states surrounding Washington, D.C. have called federal return to work plans unsafe and premature in the wake of new COVID-19 numbers.