The Cruiser Act is a United States federal law passed by the U.S. Congress on February 13, 1929. It authorized the construction of 20 new United States Navy ships: 19 cruisers and 1 aircraft carrier. Two Portland-class cruisers were laid down in 1930; original plans called for a class of six, but four were later altered into New Orleans-class cruisers shortly after being laid down in 1930 & 1931. Three more New Orleans-class were also laid down, in 1931, 1933 and 1934. The carrier was the USS Ranger (CV-4), laid down in 1931.