03.22.17

Sullivan Chairs Commerce Subcommittee Hearing with Coast Guard Commandant

Senator Highlights Importance of Adequate Funding for Coast Guard’s Missions

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK) today convened his first hearing as chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and the Coast Guard. The hearing, attended by Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Paul Zukunft, examined the missions, manpower, resources, acquisitions and budgetary needs of the U.S. Coast Guard.

“Congress has given the Coast Guard a wide range of missions, from search and rescue, icebreaking, and marine environmental protection, to port security, drug interdiction, international crisis response, and readiness to support Department of Defense operations,” said Senator Sullivan. “In the coming months, I’ll be working with my fellow members of the subcommittee to ensure the Coast Guard—the fifth branch of the Armed Services—is properly resourced to fund its priorities, modernize its assets and successfully complete is numerous, wide-ranging missions.”

Senator Sullivan also pressed the Commandant on the increasing human activity in the Arctic, including the massive Russian military build-up, and the Coast Guard’s ability to enforce American sovereignty and maintain security in the region.

“With the thawing of the Arctic, there is heightened interest in the region’s future, and the Coast Guard is currently our front line,” added Senator Dan Sullivan. “America is lagging behind other countries, particularly Russia, when it comes operating and competing in the Arctic. The recapitalization of our polar icebreaking fleet is essential to ensuring America’s interests in the Arctic, and I welcomed the Commandant’s testimony today indicating the White House’s FY 2018 Budget includes funding for a new ice breaker and offshore patrol cutters. These assets will be an important component of a larger Arctic strategy that includes operating bases, aviation assets, and other vessels designed to withstand the harsh conditions of this region.”

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