Dan Webster: “I cannot urge you strongly enough to support the SSFTA and oppose the fin ban.”

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.

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.

Given these immense resources, it should come as no surprise that adversaries, including Russia and China, are working to assert themselves in the region.