"I am fully committed to protecting our warfighters, our assets, and ensuring that our agencies have every resource needed to exercise peace through strength to protect our homeland.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23) was hosted by the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) in Alaska for an update on national security missions in the Arctic Circle. Congressman Gonzales started the strategic visit in Anchorage and traveled to meet with U.S. Coast Guard leadership at USCG Base Kodiak for an update on the U.S. Coast Guard’s missions in the Arctic.
The U.S. Coast Guard is a vital lifeline for the Arctic region, often serving as the first agency to respond to lifesaving missions and national security incidents. Following the visit to Kodiak, Congressman Gonzales traveled to Fairbanks to meet with base leadership at Eielson AFB and Fort Wainwright. Both military installations are critical in protecting the Arctic region and conducting vigorous training exercises to prepare our troops and allies for battle.
“I served for over 20 years in the U.S. Navy—there’s one way tried and true way that our troops gear up for battle, we train the way we fight, and we fight the way we train. We must give our fighting forces and homeland security assets the tools they need to train, fight, and win every mission,” said Congressman Tony Gonzales. “Last frontier, first line of defense—that’s Alaska. Alaska is on our foes’ radars; we must stay ahead of the curve in the Arctic. Our Arctic strategy will dictate our national security future. I am fully committed to protecting our warfighters, our assets, and ensuring that our agencies have every resource needed to exercise peace through strength to protect our homeland.”
BACKGROUND:
Alaska and the Arctic Circle are critical to our nation’s national security missions. Given Alaska’s proximity to Russia and more frequent spotting of vessels from China in the region, a strong presence in the Arctic is necessary for our defense and surveillance missions. Additionally, Alaska consistently ranks among the top oil-producing states, and the Arctic region is abundant in natural resources. From energy to national security, mitigating tensions and threats in the Arctic remains in the United States’ best interest.
Congressman Gonzales sits on the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security and the House Homeland Security Committee, both of which have jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security, which encompasses the U.S. Coast Guard. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Congressman Gonzales works on crafting all legislation that appropriates funds to all government entities, including the Department of Defense.
