Letter to the Director of Office of Management and Budget, Mick Mulvaney - Fully Fund the U.S. Coast Guard in the Administration's Budget

Letter

Dear Director Mulvaney,

I am deeply concerned by recent reports that you intend to cut the Fiscal Year 2018 budget for the U.S. Coast Guard by $1.3 billion. Given the vital role that the Coast Guard plays in protecting our nation's ports and waterways, I strongly urge you to not propose further reductions to its budget.

In Minnesota we are grateful for the members of the Coast Guard responsible for operations in Lake Superior and along the Mississippi River. Minnesotans who live near Lake Superior or have vacationed in the Great Lakes region understand that the Coast Guard protects our environment and provides lifesaving support during natural disasters. When Minnesota's I-35W bridge tragically collapsed in 2007, Coast Guardsmen were among the first responders on the scene to assist in the rescue of 145 injured survivors, and help maintain safety on the water in the following days and weeks.

The Coast Guard also plays a critical role within the Department of Homeland Security, helping to combat drug trafficking and protect our border security. In 2016 alone the Coast Guard stopped 416,000 pounds of illegal drugs worth nearly $5.6 billion from entering the United States. Reducing the Coast Guard's budget would result in fewer resources and personnel to carry out these missions.

The budget for the Coast Guard has already seen significant cuts in recent years. Between 2010 and 2015, the acquisition budget decreased by 40 percent, resulting in negative impacts to Coast Guard infrastructure and operations. Continued cuts would impact the ability of the Coast Guard to maintain its maritime presence and undermine our national security priorities. I strongly urge you to fully fund the Coast Guard in the budget proposal you send to Congress.

Sincerely,

Source