PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (EYT) -- Gov. Josh Shapiro opened the U.S. Navy Homecoming 250 ceremony on Wednesday by honoring America's naval roots and linking the state's defense industry to economic opportunity while using the occasion to rebuke Republican lawmakers and federal leadership.
The event, held along the Delaware River waterfront, marked the beginning of USA 250 celebrations. Shapiro stood alongside New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, calling it "a celebration of the Navy and the Marines" and a tribute to the city "where America's Navy and Marine Corps began."
According to Shapiro, the legacy of military strength continues to shape Pennsylvania's economic future. "It will be here in Philadelphia that we continue to build the ships and the submarines our nation needs to deal with the emerging threats and new challenges for years to come," he said.
Shapiro tied that vision to workforce development, noting that "hundreds of Philadelphia schoolchildren will learn the trades necessary to build these ships." He also spoke personally, recognizing his father, a Navy veteran, and recalling time spent growing up on a Navy base.
In comments to reporters after the ceremony, Shapiro shifted to a confrontational tone, denouncing what he called "extremely dangerous" deployments of National Guard troops under President Donald Trump. He said he filed an amicus brief opposing Trump's use of the Guard across state lines.
"The Pennsylvania National Guard is under my command," Shapiro said. "The way the president has chosen to deploy the guard in other states, and in at least one case deploy the guard of one state into another, is extremely dangerous."
Shapiro also addressed the ongoing federal government shutdown, warning of "real effects" on veterans, schools, and public health. "My hope is that they get back to the negotiating table in Washington," he said.
Asked about a recent federal report on SEPTA's Silverliner train issues, Shapiro said he was "very concerned" and noted that he pressured Senate Republicans to fund the agency. "I will not leave them hanging," he said, adding that he has been in talks with train manufacturers and that the state is "actively working on a number of opportunities."
On wages, Shapiro said the $7.25 minimum wage in Pennsylvania is a result of Senate Republican inaction. "The House has voted to raise it to $15 an hour... The Senate Republicans refuse to bring up a vote," he said. "It's shameful at this point."
Shapiro also reacted to the developing ceasefire in Gaza, calling it "a reason to be hopeful." He expressed relief at the potential return of hostages and said Hamas "must no longer be in a position to govern in Gaza."
He reserved his most aggressive remarks for the state budget impasse, accusing Senate Republicans of avoiding their responsibilities. "They've bothered to show up for work 30 days in the last 250," Shapiro said. "If you don't have the votes, get the hell out of the way and let the Senate Democrats pass [the budget]."
He said he would sign the House-passed budget "immediately" if it came to his desk.