Disinterment of Remains of Fernando V. Cota From Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas

Floor Speech

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Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1071, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2026, which includes the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

This bill will allow the Coast Guard to continue its vital missions of defending our maritime borders, saving lives at sea, and ensuring safe and reliable maritime commerce.

The measure also builds upon the historic $25 billion investment the Coast Guard received in reconciliation, providing necessary oversight and much-needed support for the service's ongoing efforts to recapitalize its cutter and air assets, shoreside facilities, and its IT capabilities.

As the Coast Guard faces increasing demand for its services, the bill authorizes the service to grow to 55,000 Active-Duty members by 2027 and supports the training, assets, and programs necessary to attract, retain, and advance the personnel needed to carry out the Coast Guard's missions.

To that end, this bill ensures that the morale, well-being, and safety of our Coast Guard personnel are prioritized from the day they enter boot camp to the day they retire.

In line with President Trump's efforts to rebuild America's maritime capacity, this bill strengthens America's maritime base, including provisions that streamline the merchant mariner credentialing process and laying the groundwork for the responsible deployment of new technologies at sea.

Through this legislation, the United States Coast Guard will possess the assets and personnel it needs to execute its safety, enforcement, and national security missions.

Finally, I thank the committee's ranking member, Rick Larsen; Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee chairman, Mike Ezell; and Ranking Member Salud Carbajal for their hard work on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support S. 1071.

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