Amo Leads Discussion with Rhode Island Blue Economy Manufacturers about Supporting Industry in Washington

Newport, RI – YESTERDAY, Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI) hosted business leaders from Rhode Island Blue Economy manufacturers and Rhode Island Commerce to discuss what he’s doing in Congress to counter Trump’s anti-business policies, including arbitrary tariffs and cuts to foundational science research. 

“Rhode Island is a world leader in Blue Economy innovation,” said Congressman Gabe Amo (D-RI). “From developing futuristic unmanned undersea vehicles to producing new materials capable of withstanding severe ocean conditions, Rhode Islanders are building the future, right here in our state. Yesterday’s conversation provided insight into how the Trump administration’s erratic policies are hurting Rhode Island businesses. Thank you to JAIA Robotics, Nautilus Defense, Enginuity, Composites Energy Technologies, and Rhode Island Commerce for joining me and sharing your valuable insight – I have great ideas to take back to Washington where I will continue to work in Congress to support the Blue Economy sector.”

“As a rapidly growing small business in the Ocean State, Composite Energies Technologies (CET) is proud to be advancing the next generation of undersea vehicle technology from right here in Rhode Island,” said Chase Hogoboom, President of Composites Energies Technologies. “The support of our Congressional Delegation and organizations like Polaris MEP is critical to ensuring that companies like ours can continue to pioneer cutting-edge solutions, expand advanced manufacturing capacity, and strengthen the nation’s competitive edge in maritime defense and Blue Economy innovation.”

"Congressman Amo’s bipartisan efforts to grow the economy, uphold U.S. scientific and engineering leadership, and protect the environment for future generations—ensuring clean water, fertile lands, and sustainable ocean management is an inspiration to the team at Jaia Robotics,” said Ian Estaphan Owen, CEO and Co-founder of JAIA Robotics. “His support to develop a thriving Blue Tech industrial base that can deliver capabilities to warfighters at the speed-of-need, is essential to deter our adversaries from disrupting world security. Jaia is proud as a dual use company to use its technology to help Congressman Amo deliver those wins for the US and its allies."

“For over 100 years, Goodwin Bradley has molded parts for everything from the Model T engine to the first nuclear submarine,” said Chris Goodwin, President of Goodwin Bradley. “To remain competitive for the next 100 years, we must keep increasing funding for technical education programs to close the skills gap and grants to keep manufacturing growing. Thank you to Congressman Amo, for championing these values in Congress, and supporting Rhode Island manufacturers.”

“The blue economy is vital to both Rhode Island and Enginuity and it was a valuable opportunity to share our perspective directly with Congressman Amo,” said Shaun Hawkins, Enginuity Business Development Manager. “We appreciate the chance to have our voice heard on the challenges and opportunities facing manufacturers in this sector.”

Background

Congressman Amo, serves as Ranking Member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Environment Subcommittee, where he has been a strong advocate for the Blue Economy in Congress. 

On August 21, 2025,Amo introduced the bipartisan, bicameral AUKUS Improvement Act which would remove duplicative requirements for defense collaboration between the U.S., the U.K., and Australia and would streamline maritime defense manufacturing within the alliance. 

In the 118th Congress, Amo introduced the Blue Economy and Innovation Actwhich would support transdisciplinary marine research, the development of innovative technology to address challenges affecting ocean science, and expand the scientific workforce capable of studying or managing ocean science. 

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