U.S. President Donald Trump included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act an investment of nearly $25bn to strengthen several facets of Coast Guard operations in support of the service’s role as the Nation’s leading drug interdiction and maritime border security force.
The funding allows the Coast Guard to obtain an estimated 17 new icebreakers, 21 new cutters, over 40 helicopters and six C-130J aircraft, US Coast Guard officials say, while modernizing shore infrastructure and maritime surveillance systems.
The package also aims to strengthen the Coast Guard’s ability to fight against drug and human trafficking, conduct search and rescue, enhance navigational safety and enable maritime trade.
President Donald Trump celebrated the signing of his “One Big Beautiful Bill” into law with a White House speech on Independence Day.
He stood with First Lady Melania Trump on the balcony of the White House as he described his second term as “winning, winning, winning.”
“It includes the largest tax cut in American history, the largest spending cut $1.7 trillion,” he said in a speech from the White House.
The White House announced Thursday that the House of Representatives officially passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, giving final approval to President Donald J. Trump’s legislation in what is being called the “biggest legislative win of President Trump’s two terms.”
Trump, who celebrated the passage of his domestic agenda bill as a “victory” for the US, railed against Democrats who voted against his policy agenda.
“This historic investment marks a new era for the Coast Guard,” said Coast Guard Acting Commandant Adm. Kevin Lunday. “It reflects the strong support of the American people and empowers us to restore our Service and prepare for the challenges of today and tomorrow. With this level of support, and the dedication of our Coast Guard men and women, there’s nothing we can’t accomplish. We are deeply grateful for this opportunity to build a stronger Coast Guard for the Nation.”
US Coast Guard says these investments are in support of Force Design 2028, the Secretary’s effort to modernize operations to ensure the Coast Guard’s ability to protect and defend the nation for decades to come.
It’s worth mentioning that the members of the Coast Guard – more than 55,000 – operate a multi-mission, interoperable fleet of more than 250 cutters, 200 fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, 1,600 boats and its own dedicated cyber command to protect critical maritime infrastructure.
Highlights on the Investment Include:
$4.4bn for shore infrastructure, training facilities and homeports
$4.3bn for Polar Security Cutters, extending U.S. reach in the Arctic
$4.3bn for nine new Offshore Patrol Cutters
$3.5bn for three Arctic Security Cutters
$2.3bn for more than 40 MH-60 helicopters
$2.2bn for depot level maintenance to sustain readiness
$1.1bn for six new HC-130J aircraft and simulators
$1bn for Fast Response Cutters
$816m for light and medium Icebreaking Cutters
$266m for long-range unmanned aircraft systems
$170m for maritime domain awareness, including next-generation sensors
$162m for three Waterways Commerce Cutters
