This week, Congressman Mike Ezell of Mississippi and co-sponsor Congressman Nick Begich of Alaska announced the Secretary of the Coast Guard Act of 2025.
The proposal would provide the United States Coast Guard with a dedicated civilian leader to ensure the service receives the resources and support necessary to continue its vital national security missions.
Under the proposed law, the Secretary of the Coast Guard would report directly to the Secretary of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating (currently the Department of Homeland Security, but during wartime the Department of the Defense.) The Commandant of the Coast Guard would report to the newly established Secretary of the Coast Guard. This leadership structure mirrors those of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, all of which already have dedicated Service Secretaries.
Congressman Ezell emphasized the critical role the Coast Guard plays in national security, maritime law enforcement, and disaster response.
“The United States Coast Guard plays a critical role in protecting our nation’s security, from safeguarding our shores to conducting search-and-rescue operations and enforcing maritime law. Our coasties are the pride of our nation,” said Ezell. “Creating a Secretary of the Coast Guard ensures they have the leadership, resources, and support they need to continue their vital missions. It’s time we give the Coast Guard the same level of recognition and advocacy that other military branches receive.”
Congressman Begich highlighted the Coast Guard’s importance to Alaska and coastal communities across the nation.
“The United States Coast Guard plays a vital role in our national defense, homeland security, and maritime safety—particularly in Alaska, where their presence is essential to our coastal communities,” said Begich. “I’m proud to co-sponsor this legislation to create a dedicated Secretary of the Coast Guard. This long-overdue step gives the Coast Guard an important seat at the table, strengthens accountability, and ensures the men and women of the Coast Guard have the leadership and support they need to carry out their critical missions.”
Alaska’s unique geography comes with over 6,600 miles of coastline, with islands, rivers, and remote communities that depend on the water for transportation, fishing, and their very survival.
The state’s proximity to Russia and its strategic position in the Arctic make it a frontline for US security. The Coast Guard monitors foreign vessels, supports defense operations, and patrols the nation’s border, including the border with Russia.
Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Sam Graves, also a cosponsor, pointed out that the Coast Guard is the only armed service without a confirmed Secretary that provides civilian leadership.
The bill’s current co-sponsors include Representatives Begich, Daniel Webster and Vern Buchanan, both of Florida.
Has Begich co-sponsored the elimination of the Department of (Un) Education yet?
Nick Begich, all I have seen from you are opinions and bills that expand government regulations and spending. How about putting your focus on significantly reducing government spending and regulations before comming up with expansion plans.
Yeah we don’t want him to expand the safety of Alaskans and America That would be bad
The GOP congress must pass bills now to solidify Trumps’ EOs and permanently eliminate as many federal agencies as possible.
The power of governance must be permanently restored to the people themselves and removed from the permanent government, which has an unbroken record of failure and corruption.
Utterly SHOCKING how much better NB3 is than what we had in there before. Now(!), if we can only find a similar candidate with like skills and ambition to replace Lisa. Sometime in the next four years, maybe Lisa will: tip-over, stroke-out from TDS, stumble-tumble, and/or experience some other type of misfortune. Either way, Lisa will have exposed herself that everyone looking on will completely understand that the only thing driving her is unhinged emotions, and people are already tired of that nonsense today. Over the next fours, it could be a great opportunity for Kelly-T!
The Alaskan USCG are true heros. Having worked as an FWP Trooper for decades I have witnessed the truly heroic efforts made by these men and women in Alaska. Men and women who are prepared to go into the jaws of life taking danger to save those who are in peril.. I’ve engaged many Alaskans who mocked the USCG… Until they went into some of the most dangerous Alaskan situations and yanked their loved ones from the jaws of death.
He can begin with legislation stopping deployment of Coast Guard overseas, like the coast of China and the Persian Gulf. Then, how about several more icebreakers? Semper Paratus.