We absolutely have to do better on this.

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.

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.

How are these programs working? And are recruiting and retention numbers coming up?

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

This is my warning to the Coast Guard: Please start saving yourselves from your own sinking ship.

At the same time, we are here to examine what investments must be made into the Coast Guard's most valuable resource: its people.

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

Today, our subcommittee meets to highlight the extraordinary successes of the men and women of the Coast Guard.

August 4th marked the 234th birthday of the Coast Guard, and the Service is celebrating that birthday tonight here at the Capitol.