Congressman Higgins’ Vote Against the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 is a comprehensive bill that aims to:

1. Authorize Funding: Provide funding for the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for fiscal years 2024 and 2025, covering various operational, maintenance, and infrastructure needs.
2. Enhance Operations: Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the USCG’s operations, including search and rescue missions, law enforcement, and maritime safety and security.
3. Modernize Equipment: Allocate resources for the acquisition and maintenance of modern vessels, aircraft, and other essential equipment to support the Coast Guard’s mission.
4. Support Personnel: Address personnel needs, including training, benefits, and retention programs, to ensure the USCG has a well-equipped and motivated workforce.
5. Strengthen Environmental Protection: Implement measures to enhance the USCG’s role in protecting the marine environment from pollution and other hazards.
6. Improve Infrastructure: Invest in infrastructure improvements at USCG facilities to support their operational readiness and effectiveness.

This act ensures that the Coast Guard has the necessary resources and support to carry out its critical missions effectively and efficiently.

It is negligent that Congressman Higgins voted against the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 for several reasons:

1. Operational Readiness: Voting against the bill could impede the Coast Guard’s ability to maintain and upgrade its fleet of ships, aircraft, and essential equipment. This can negatively affect the agency’s operational readiness and capability to perform vital missions such as search and rescue, maritime security, and law enforcement.
2. Environmental Protection: The Coast Guard plays a crucial role in safeguarding marine environments. Without the necessary funding and resources, the agency might struggle to effectively address pollution, oil spills, and other environmental hazards, leading to potential ecological damage.
3. National Security: The Coast Guard is a key component of national security, particularly in preventing smuggling, human trafficking, and terrorism. A vote against the bill undermines efforts to strengthen national security measures and protect the nation’s maritime borders.
4. Economic Impact: The Coast Guard ensures the safety and security of the nation’s ports and waterways, which are vital for trade and commerce. Insufficient support can disrupt economic activities and affect the livelihoods of those dependent on maritime industries.
5. Personnel Welfare: The bill includes provisions for the welfare and training of Coast Guard personnel. Voting against it may negatively impact the morale, training, and retention of Coast Guard members, affecting the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the force.
6. Infrastructure: Investment in Coast Guard infrastructure is crucial for operational effectiveness. A vote against the bill can delay or halt necessary infrastructure improvements, compromising the agency’s ability to carry out its missions effectively.

Congressman Higgins’ vote against the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 may have a major detrimental impact on the Coast Guard’s ability to conduct operations, safeguard the environment, maintain national security, engage in economic activity, provide for the welfare of its personnel, and develop infrastructure.