Dan Webster: “Today, we convene to review the fiscal year 2024 budget request for Federal maritime transportation programs.”

Today, the subcommittee will receive testimony from the Coast Guard's icebreaking recapitalization efforts and the ability of the Service to meet its icebreaking and polar region responsibilities.

I expect you and Admiral Allan to clearly articulate how you will acquire these vessels and what resources are required to carry out the Coast Guard's polar mission.

At the same time, our nation has two operational icebreakers, one of which is dedicated to the Service's Antarctic mission in support of the National Science Foundation and is operating well past its intended service life.

To date, we have yet to see such a plan, let alone a cost estimate or a timeline of the first vessel in the fleet.