Washington, DC – The following is the opening statement of U.S. Rep. Steve LaTourette (R-OH), Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Ranking Member, from today’s hearing on the Coast Guard’s icebreaking program and the asset levels necessary to meet forecasted icebreaking mission needs.
“Coast Guard icebreakers allow the winter movement of maritime commerce through the Great Lakes and into ports in the Northeast. I am concerned, however, that the current icebreaking fleet is unable to carry out the full mission load in heavy ice years, like we experienced this year in the Great Lakes. Several members, including Chairman Oberstar, have requested the Coast Guard to consider transferring an additional icebreaking tug to the Lakes; however, that request has been refused. I would urge the service to conduct a review of icebreaking needs to determine how the Coast Guard can best carry out icebreaking missions nationwide.
“I am also concerned about the service’s three polar class icebreakers and the continued transfer of budgetary authority for these vessels to the National Science Foundation (NSF). This arrangement leaves Coast Guard crews and operations dependent on decisions that are made outside of the service.
“This year the NSF has informed the Coast Guard that it does not plan to utilize the Polar Sea for the annual breakout of McMurdo Station in Antarctica and that it does not plan to provide funding to keep the Polar Star in caretaker, non-operational status. Further, the NSF has contracted with a vessel owned and operated by the Swedish government to carry out missions in Antarctica this winter. I hope that the witnesses will share with the Subcommittee how such a contract provides a better deal to the American taxpayers than the use of the Polar Sea.
“The continued availability of Coast Guard icebreakers is necessary to protect American national security and economic interests both domestically and in the Arctic and Antarctic. As such, it is extremely important that the Administration develop a comprehensive plan to meet current and future mission needs. I hope that the witnesses will update the Subcommittee on the development of such plans.”
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