Salud Ortiz Carbajal

While recapitalization of the icebreaking fleet was identified as a priority almost two decades ago, we are still several years and over $1 billion away from the delivery of the first Polar Security Cutter.

The Coast Guard is the premier agency tasked with projecting sovereignty in the Arctic, which is a critically important mission.

Budgetary decisions associated with the procurement of icebreakers cannot be made in a vacuum.

It's time for Congress to step up.

If Congress does not double the Coast Guard's budget in 2026, the Service will either have to abandon the program, cease construction of Offshore Patrol Cutters, or cut significant portions of its operations.

Unfortunately, the Coast Guard icebreaker mission is woefully underresourced.

I have major concern about the delayed PSC program and the amount of funding actually needed to just get one ship built.

The Coast Guard is the premier agency tasked with protecting the American people and safeguarding our national security interests along our shores and beyond.

As Ranking Member of this Subcommittee, I take my role of Coast Guard promoter very seriously.

I have major concerns about the funding needed to keep up with the backlog in infrastructure, the investment in the new assets such as cutters and helicopters, and everyday support services to the fleet.

Admiral Fagan, with the passage of the Safer Seas Act, the Coast Guard is tasked with implementing several new authorities and requirements for industry.

I was pleased that the fiscal year 2025 budget request included a slight increase in discretionary funding, but still more resources are needed to support the Service.

Turning a ship as old and large as the Coast Guard takes strong leadership, time, and commitment.

I am pleased to witness strong leadership and commitment by Admiral Fagan and believe that the Service is on the right course.

The Commandant has said that the Coast Guard needs to be a $20 billion Service by 2030, and I believe that should be the minimum.

While the new cutters and aircraft I have seen are great, the people who are charged with operating those assets are certainly strained.

Congress must do better.

Your leadership is instrumental in supporting Coasties. You have done an outstanding job leading the Service thus far.

I thank my colleagues for this bipartisan legislation. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

I, again, thank Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, and subcommittee Chair Webster. I would also like to thank our bipartisan staff on the Republican side John Rayfield, Reed Linsk, Cameron Humphrey, Nicole Bredariol, and Ian Orr; and…

Implementing that sooner than 2030 would be helpful as well in this regard.

I would like to commend you on your ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe environment for all mariners on board ships.

I commend your leadership efforts to make the maritime industry a safe and desirable workplace for all.

We thank Congress for waiving the 3-year wait requirement to flag in and have access to preference cargoes.

I am heartened to see an increase in funding for the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy.