Congressman Nick Begich Co-Sponsors Legislation to Establish a Secretary of the United States Coast Guard

Congressman Nick Begich Co-Sponsors Legislation to Establish a Secretary of the United States Coast Guard 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – April 3, 2025 – Today, Congressman Nick Begich (AK-R), announced his co-sponsorship of the Secretary of the Coast Guard Act of 2025, led by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Mike Ezell (MS-R). The legislation establishes a dedicated Secretary of the Coast Guard, providing the service with the same level of leadership and representation as the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

“The United States Coast Guard is indispensable to Alaska – covering over 3.8 million square miles and more than 47,000 miles of shoreline. Their mission readiness is crucial to the safety and security for our state,” said Congressman Begich. “I’m proud to co-sponsor the Secretary of the Coast Guard Act to ensure the men and women of the Coast Guard have the leadership and resources they need to carry out their mission effectively. Creating a dedicated Secretary will provide the Coast Guard the standing it deserves and strengthen its ability to protect Alaskans and the Arctic.”

The role of the Secretary would be established in Title 14 of the U.S. Code and would report directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS). This brings long-overdue parity and visibility to the Coast Guard's vital mission.

From Arctic operations and fisheries enforcement to search and rescue, the United States Coast Guard is uniquely positioned at the intersection of military readiness and homeland security. Creating a dedicated Secretary will improve the service's ability to advocate for resources, streamline decision-making, and enhance its overall readiness in the face of growing global maritime challenges.

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure for consideration.

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