In The News
Ezell in the Washington Times: Congress must pass an updated Coast Guard authorization to support our CoastiesRep. Mike Ezell, (R-MS) highlights the crucial need to fund the Coast Guard and bolster their missions. For decades, the Coast Guard has been underfunded and in need of shoreside infrastructure, cutting-edge cutters, and life-saving aircraft. As part of the One Big Beautiful Bill, over $21 billion in funding was included for the Coast Guard and its missions. As chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I’m ready to step up to the plate and work across the aisle with my colleagues. Together, we can draft a strong, forward-looking bill that modernizes our Coast Guard, strengthens our national defense, and honors those who wear the uniform. It’s crucial that Congress comes together in a bipartisan spirit to draft, pass, and implement an updated Coast Guard Authorization Act that provides the Coast Guard with the modern tools, assets, and support needed to meet an expanding mission in an increasingly complex world. In the recently passed H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill, over $21 billion in funding was included for the Coast Guard. I proudly support this historic funding, particularly because it will bolster the Coast Guard’s missions to secure our maritime borders against illegal migration and drug trafficking, as well as strengthen our presence in the Arctic against global competitors like China and Russia. While this bill provides an important investment that lays the foundation for the resources our service members need to succeed, it’s only a down payment. For decades, the Coast Guard has been underfunded. Coasties have proudly self-adopted the motto of “do more with less,” but they shouldn’t have to. Passing a Coast Guard Authorization Act this Congress will build on the progress we made in H.R. 1 and ensure continued support for this critical armed service. The need for more congressional action is clear: we need more investments in critical shoreside infrastructure for maintaining our assets, and our people. As chairman, my goal is to ensure our Coasties have every tool necessary to complete their mission. From cutting-edge cutters to life-saving aircraft, our Coast Guard should have the technology needed to combat drug smuggling, human trafficking, illegal immigration, and growing strategic threats especially from China’s increasing influence in the Pacific. This is about more than just policy it’s a commitment to the men and women who stand watch over our ports, borders, and coasts. And it requires a bipartisan effort to get it done. I’m ready to play ball, work in good faith with my colleagues on both sides and get this legislation across the finish line because when America’s seas get rough, our Coast Guard never wavers. It’s time Congress shows the same resolve.Rep. Mike Ezell represents Mississippi’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes the Mississippi Gulf Coast and parts of the Pine Belt. He serves as Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where he works to strengthen national security, support maritime industries, and enhance coastal resilience. |