Rep. Steel Joins Coastguard to View Operations, Calls on Senate to Pass Critical Authorization Legislation

Today, Rep. Michelle Steel (R-CA) joined Coastguardsmen aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Narwhal to learn more about their work to protect our coastal waters in the wake of unprecedented port backlogs which have contributed to the ongoing supply chain crisis. The Narwhal is an 87-foot, multi-mission class vessel that performs search and rescue operations, conducts law enforcement, fishery patrols, drug interdictions, and more. The tour took place as the U.S. Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 has awaited consideration in the Senate for nearly six months.

"A nation that is safe and an economy that is strong heavily rely on secure and operational coastal waters," said Rep. Steel. "From stopping the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs through our waters, to ensuring that shipping lanes are safe and operational, our Coastguardsmen are doing critically important work, and I am grateful to them for putting their own safety on the line to protect our nation. Now is the time for the Senate to take up and pass the U.S. Coastguard Authorization Act of 2022 so that we can enact my proposal to address and prevent further backlogs at our ports and ensure our Coastguardsman have the resources they need to continue their work."

In March, the House passed the U.S. Coastguard Authorization Act of 2022, bipartisan legislation that authorizes two years of funds for the U.S. Coast Guard., which included Rep. Steel's proposal to address the backlog of cargo ships at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The Coastguard Authorization Act of 2022 currently awaits action in the Senate.

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