Dan Webster: “August 4th marked the 234th birthday of the Coast Guard, and the Service is celebrating that birthday tonight here at…”

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.

To the Coasties who joined us here today and across the world, thank you all for your unconditional service to our nation.

However, this committee is well aware also of the aging infrastructure and workforce shortages and insufficient budget that has operationally constrained the Coast Guard for--more than just this year--many years.

Mr. Speaker, we are on the brink of a historic moment. This is a day I have worked toward for a long time. Throughout my time here, I have fought for legislative reforms that will restore a Member-driven process. This is the most…