Dan Webster: “This lack of broadband, in many areas, especially rural areas, is a serious impediment to many facets of American 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.

The United States has relied on the Coast Guard's persistent presence to demonstrate American sovereignty in the Arctic since the United States acquired Alaska in 1867.

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.

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.