U.S. Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Sam Graves (R-MO), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), and Bob Gibbs (R-OH) are espousing the benefits of a measure that authorizes the U.S. Coast Guard funds for reinforcement and support.
The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 enables support enhancing Coast Guard operations while aiding efforts to modernize its cutters, as well as shoreside and cyberinfrastructure.
“The Coast Guard works tirelessly to keep our coastal communities safe, protect our ports and waterways, support our marine environment, fight drug trafficking, and respond quickly to dangerous emergencies and disasters,” DeFazio, chair of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, said. “This bipartisan bill ensures the Coast Guard has the resources necessary to accomplish these critical missions. I am pleased to see the committee once again demonstrate true bipartisan cooperation, and I encourage my House and Senate colleagues to swiftly pass this legislation and send it to the President’s desk.”
House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves said the nation needs to ensure its armed forces are prepared and have the assets necessary to carry out its missions.
“The Coast Guard has national defense responsibilities, as well as port security and commercial vessel safety and security oversight missions which are of particular importance during this time of heightened international tension,” he said. “The Coast Guard also helps keep maritime commerce moving, even when other parts of the supply chain are bogged down. Overall, this bipartisan bill will provide the resources to help them more effectively carry out their vital missions of ensuring maritime safety and commerce, stopping the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the country, enforcing U.S. laws at sea, and protecting our nation’s borders.”