Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senators Dan Sullivan, Maria Cantwell, Ted Cruz, and Tammy Baldwin have introduced a bipartisan bill to authorize $30.45 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard over Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. This legislation aims to enhance the capabilities of the Coast Guard in various areas.

Senator Sullivan emphasized the importance of Alaska's role in supporting the Coast Guard's missions, noting that "as America’s only state with Arctic territory and with more coastline than the entire Lower 48 combined, Alaska is critical to the Coast Guard’s missions in defense of our nation." He also highlighted efforts to improve conditions for service members based in Alaska.

Senator Cantwell pointed out that "this legislation prioritizes the Coast Guard’s most important asset—its people," by creating a Vice Admiral position focused on personnel needs such as housing, healthcare, childcare, and mental health services. The bill also includes reforms aimed at preventing sexual assault and harassment within the Coast Guard.

Senator Cruz stated that "the U.S. Coast Guard plays an indispensable role in keeping Americans safe at sea," and expressed gratitude for his colleagues' efforts to ensure swift passage of this legislation.

Senator Baldwin noted that "our bipartisan bill doubles down on the incredible work our Coast Guard does," highlighting investments in patrolling waters from the Great Lakes to the Indo-Pacific region.

The proposed act allocates $14.93 billion for FY25 and $15.51 billion for FY26, focusing on workforce support, mission enhancement, infrastructure development, maritime safety, tribal cooperation, natural resources management, NOAA collaboration, and combating sexual misconduct within the service.