During today’s House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation hearing on the U.S. Coast Guard’s role in the Arctic region, Alaskan Congressman Don Young used his time to continue his push to expand America’s presence in the Arctic. The hearing’s objective was to review several recent reports regarding this country’s capabilities in the Arctic as well as the recently passed Coast Guard Reauthorization bill which requires the Coast Guard to report back to Congress with an analysis of its current Arctic capabilities and future needs.
“The United States is currently fifth in a five nation race for the Arctic,” said Rep. Young. “While other countries are building new icebreakers and increasing their capabilities, we are decommissioning ships without a clear plan for the future. This is absolutely unacceptable to me and I will not rest until we are leading the race.
“I was especially pleased with Alaska Lieutenant Governor Mead Treadwell’s testimony this morning. He reminded us that America is an Arctic nation because of Alaska and of the enormous opportunity that America has in the Arctic. I look forward to working with both of our Senators as well as the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to ensure that America, the most powerful country in the world, doesn’t lose the race for the Arctic.”
