The Protecting Public Naval Shipyards Act of 2025 prohibits the Department of Defense from laying off workers or implementing hiring freezes at U.S. Navy public shipyards, protecting skilled trades workers like welders, pipefitters, engineers, and apprentices, as well as positions supporting nuclear maintenance and workforce development. The legislation applies broadly to the workforce at public shipyards and shields these jobs from cuts driven by budget reductions or fund reprogramming. The bill does not restrict the Defense Secretary's ability to remove employees for misconduct or poor performance through existing procedures. Introduced by Representatives Pappas and Kiggans in August 2025, the bill was referred to the House Armed Services Committee and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. The legislation contains no specific funding authorization or implementation timeline, focusing instead on establishing workforce protections for the skilled positions critical to Navy ship construction and maintenance operations.