"Thank you, Chairman Webster, for calling this hearing on a topic of great importance: icebreaking capabilities."
"However, this activity has been dominated by Russian-flagged vessels, and both Russia and China have jockeyed for control of the region."
"The region is rich in natural resources including 90 billion barrels of undiscovered oil, 30 percent of the world's undiscovered natural gas and $1 trillion in rare earth minerals."
"Depending on which actors develop these resources--and how--the Arctic could either challenge or accelerate the global transition to clean energy and transportation."
"There's never been a more important time for the United States to maintain and expand its leadership in the Arctic."
"There has never been a more important time for the United States to maintain and expand its leadership in the Arctic."
"I encourage all my colleagues to visit the Coast Guard, get out on the water, get up in the air with them, as I did in Pensacola, to truly see the value that they provide to our country."
"So, it is clear we have a responsibility to ensure that those who are dedicating their lives to protecting us receive the resources and support they need to thrive, both on duty and off duty."
"This hold slows recovery and hurts communities in their time of need."
"So, our Coasties deserve not only a robust healthcare system, but also the access to other services, like behavioral health services, that meet their needs promptly and effectively."
"So, Congress should approve the President's request for supplemental disaster assistance funding before the end of this Congress."