JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – U.S. Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., is urging senators to adopt an advanced appropriations plan for all future U.S. Navy ships, including the DDX destroyer.

The next-generation warship will be built at Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula and Bath Iron Works in Maine.

“The future of America’s entire shipbuilding industry depends on this proposal,” Lott said Wednesday. “The handful of surviving American shipyards must have a steady, dependable stream of work. If not, America could be forced to outsource much of our naval construction to foreign workers. That would be a sad day for America’s shipyard workers and the beginning of America’s demise as a maritime nation.”

Advance appropriations would allow the Navy to purchase its ships and pay for them over several years, instead of in a lump sum. The Navy’s present budget cannot support the number of ships needed to maintain a fleet of up to 300.

Senators are expected to consider the financing plan Thursday.

“This is a life or death issue for America’s shipyards,” Lott said.