WASHINGTON — The Coast Guard is requesting $13.8 billion for fiscal year 2025.
That's $100 million dollars less than this year.
In the request, the Coast Guard is seeking $13 million less for the Offshore Patrol Cutter.
And the Coast Guard's aircraft funding request also drops by $32 million.
The Coast Guard's top admiral said Thursday, that those aren't even her biggest concerns with the budget.
"My top acquisition priority is beginning construction on the Polar Security Cutter. And the top-line reality of the budget does not align with this priority. I acknowledge that the Polar Security Cutter, there is no ask in the '25 budget. It reflects some of the topline pressures and priorities," said Admiral Lina Fagan, Coast Guard Commandant.
The design on the lead $1.9 billion polar security cutter is only 67% complete, delaying delivery until 2029 at the earliest.
Fagan told the House Transportation Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee that she wants to see a $20 billion Coast Guard by 2030.
Lawmakers agreed that more funding is needed.
"If we don't take care of the Coasties, we cannot expect the same Coast Guard we've come to rely on. Search and rescue capacity will decline. More illegal drugs will make it across our border. More environmental disasters will occur as a result of fewer vessel inspections and decreased response capacity. Congress most do better," said Rep. Salud Arloajal (D-California).
Other issues addressed during the hearing included recruiting—which is down 10%, and sexual assault.
The Government Accountability Office reported in March that sexual assault and harassment have been "persistent problems in the Coast Guard for decades."
Fagan said: 'We're 100% committed to eradicating sexual assaults and sexual harassment."