House subcommittee: Coast Guard modernization hindered by delays, contracting and funding shortfalls

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation heard testimony that the U.S. Coast Guard's multi‑decade recapitalization is behind schedule, underfunded and hampered by contracting and industrial‑base problems.

Chairman Ezell warned that the service faces a "$7,000,000,000 shore side infrastructure backlog," and said the Coast Guard has failed to provide congressionally required acquisition documents. "These plans are not optional. They are required by law," he told witnesses.

The committee examined progress across major acquisitions. Vice Admiral Tom Allen, acting deputy commandant for operations, said the polar security cutter is the Coast Guard's "number 1 priority" and reported increased design maturity and ongoing prototype work at Bollinger in Mississippi. Allen said the service expects delivery of the first heavy polar icebreaker in 2030 and asked for…