Coast Guard Oversight Hearing
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change, and Manufacturing
October 19th, 2021 at 2:30 P.M. EDT
Witnesses:
● Admiral Karl Schultz, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard
● Master Chief Jason Vanderhaden, Master Chief Petty Officer of the United States Coast Guard
● U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change, and Manufacturing
On Tuesday October 19th, 2021 the Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change, and Manufacturing met to conduct a hearing on Coast Guard Oversight. The hearing convened to discuss the United States Coast Guard‘s role in safeguarding American maritime interests. Issues discussed included the FY2022 Budget, diversity in the Coast Guard, and activity in the Arctic.
Upon opening remarks from Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chair of the Subcommittee, the first matters of discussion were expressed by Ranking Member, Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK). Senator Sullivan made known his concerns about the Arctic and advocated for increased American presence. Senator Sullivan likewise noted concerns that China, a self-proclaimed “Arctic Nation,” has been ahead of the United States in Arctic maritime activities.
Despite the breadth of concerns, Senator Sullivan ended his opening remarks hopeful about the Coast Guard’s efforts to improve American Arctic presence. The Senator further noted that he will be introducing legislation to make Coast Guard efforts in the Arctic more plausible.
Admiral Karl Schultz, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, greatly reflected on improving the Coast Guard through the FY2022 Budget. Admiral Schultz reflected on recent changes made possible from the FY2021 Budget which included investments in family housing projects, transition to electronic health records, and the hiring of more recruiters.
Admiral Schultz advocated prevalently for the Coast Guard workforce, detailing that future budgets must maintain momentum to address workforce gaps. Through proper funding and dedication to Coast Guard men and women, Admiral Schultz declared that the branch can end the on-going gaps in diversity and inclusion and improve retention and recruitment rates.
Master Chief Jason Vanderhaden, Master Chief Petty Officer of the United States Coast Guard, testified in agreement with Admiral Karl Schultz on key issues for improvement. In his testimony, Master Chief Vanderhaden declared that the efforts for diversifying the force in 2021 were successful, but not complete. To further mitigate this issue, the Coast Guard has created a mobile app to reach future Coast Guard leaders. Master Chief Vanderhaden claimed the app, which is supported by the President’s FY2022 budget, is anticipated to target populations that recruiters cannot reach.
Matters addressing further issues in Coast Guard housing, healthcare, and childcare were touched upon prior to concluding remarks by Senator Baldwin.
For a recording of the full committee hearing, please visit the Committee’s hearings page here.