Garamendi Applauds Development of First Polar Security Cutter in the United States

Washington, DC—Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA), who served as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation from 2013-2018, issued the following statement after the Coast Guard announced a contract award for the new Polar Security Cutter—guaranteeing the ship will be built in America by American workers:

"America used to be the top maritime nation in the world. Unfortunately, for 40 years the U.S. government neglected the important task of building polar icebreakers. Finally, after six years of holding hearings on the role of America in the Arctic as the top Democrat on the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, I'm pleased the Coast Guard will receive the first new Polar Security Cutter in 40 years. Even better—it will be built by American workers in American shipyards," Garamendi said.

"The Arctic is melting due to climate change, creating new commercial sea routes for summer passage. As the Arctic continues to change, it's critical for the United States to assert its rights and the new U.S. Coast Guard Polar Security Cutters are necessary for this to be done. Today's announcement is a major milestone for the Coast Guard, and this vessel is critically important for commercial, national security, and emergency rescue scenarios that will project America's position in the Arctic," Garamendi concluded.

Earlier this year, Congress made $655 million available to build the first Polar Security Cutter in U.S. shipyards by American workers. Garamendi worked with House and Senate colleagues to secure necessary funding for this vessel as well as five additional Polar Security Cutters that will be built in the coming years.