Bi-partisan legislation to authorize an additional Coast Guard icebreaker passed out of the Senate Commerce Committee Wednesday is headed to the full Senate. U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin says the authorization for the U.S. Coast Guard to procure the icebreaker will help improve an inadequate icebreaking capability that cost the U.S. economy over $1 million and 5,000 jobs. She says the Coast Guard is limited right now.
Vessel delays last winter caused slowed down cargo deliveries that estimates showed cost the federal government over $125 million in taxes and $46 million lost by state and local governments. The new Coast Guard bill will be considered further when the Senate returns to work after the August break.
