Supporting and Strengthening Our Coast Guard
Every day, the U.S. Coast Guard works tirelessly to defend our shores and save lives on our waters. For the safety and security of our nation, I believe Congress can and should do more to invest in their critical mission to safeguard our coastal borders, stop the flow of illegal drugs and migrants into the country, conduct search and rescue missions, and confront Chinese expansion in the Pacific.
The good news is that the One Big Beautiful Bill, which I helped pass and President Trump signed into law, makes a historic investment in our Coast Guard as it continues to protect our nation for years to come — from coast to coast and the Great Lakes in between.
One Big, Beautiful Bill
The One Big Beautiful Bill took historic steps to enhance our national security, including a monumental $24.6 billion investment to keep our Coast Guard mission ready.
The resources will go toward:
- Planes and helicopters to secure our water borders
- Long-range drone stations to secure our borders
- Offshore patrol boats to prevent illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug trafficking
- Icebreakers to ensure ships can navigate our waters
- Boot camp facilities for training the next generation of Coasties
- Ports and hangars for Coast Guard boats and aircraft
- Communication and cyber equipment
- And more
Funding from the One Big Beautiful Bill will also boost America’s shipbuilding industry, which provides good-paying civilian jobs and strengthens the Coast Guard’s ability to protect America’s shores.
Coast Guard Authorization
I also voted to pass the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025 — critical legislation that I worked on every step of the way in the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee — to build on and protect the historic investments we made in the One Big Beautiful Bill. This legislation also provides the Coast Guard parity with other military services, ensuring that the Service has leadership responsible for strengthening the Coast Guard and advocating for its needs. This change recognizes and supports the Coast Guard’s critical role in our national defense, stands behind the brave men and women who endure the most dangerous storms, and gives them the tools they need to take on the most dangerous smugglers and cartels threatening our American families and our coastlines.
The bottom line is this: Investments in our Coast Guard are investments in the safety and security of the American people. I was proud to support this legislation and look forward to it heading to President Trump’s desk as soon as the Senate joins us in passing it.