Blumenthal Applauds Final Passage of Coast Guard Authorization Bill Allowing Federal Aid for New London Coast Guard Museum

(Hartford, CT) – Today, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) applauded final passage of the Coast Guard Authorization bill, a bipartisan measure that re-authorizes funding for critical Coast Guard missions and operations for another two years. The bill includes language Blumenthal worked to secure that allows the Coast Guard to invest more resources for the building of the National Coast Guard Museum in New London. Blumenthal is a member of the Commerce Committee, which has jurisdiction of Coast Guard issues. Currently, the Coast Guard is limited in using federal funds to build the facility, and this has slowed the museum’s construction and hampered private fundraising efforts. The language Sen. Blumenthal helped secure – with the partnership of Representative Courtney and Senator Murphy – will help create equity amongst all of the other services, which are not encumbered by the same restrictions.

“It is long overdue that the federal government finally support the work that New London has done to honor the Coast Guard’s distinguished service to our nation. As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee – the committee with jurisdiction of the Coast Guard – and as a member of the Board of Visitors of the Coast Guard Academy, I worked hard to pass this measure and appreciate the partnership of Representative Courtney in achieving this momentous milestone. This national museum in New London will respect and celebrate the Coast Guard’s proud history—an honor enjoyed by all other branches of our military. This bill—and the federal funding that it will bring—moves the opening of the museum one, large step closer to reality. I look forward to welcoming the world to New London when the museum opens its doors."

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