Rep. Carlos Gimenez Questions Witnesses on Communist China and Russia Threats in the Arctic

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Carlos A. Giménez (FL-28) questioned witnesses in a full Homeland Security Committee hearing to examine present and future security challenges in the Arctic, evaluate the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) role in defending U.S. national interests in the region, and protecting U.S. sovereignty in the region amid increasing threats from Russia and Communist China.

Congressman Carlos Giménez serves as the Chairman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security, which maintains oversight of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the USCG. In July, Rep. Gimenez chaired a subcommittee hearing entitled Strategic Competition in the Arctic to examine current and future security threats in the region and the best way for USCG to address these threats. Watch Chairman Gimenez’s line of questioning in the subcommittee hearing HERE.

“The United States, by way of Alaska, is one of eight Arctic countries. The Arctic’s abundant natural resources, rich fishing waters, shipping routes, and the opportunity for future development make the region vital to the United States’ national security interests,” said Rep. Giménez. “The U.S. Coast Guard, as the sole operators of America’s icebreaking fleet, is the primary enforcer responsible for protecting American sovereignty in the Arctic region. As Communist China and Russia work to expand their military and economic interests in the Arctic, I look forward to working to empower the Coast Guard to ward off any malign influences in the region.”

WITNESSES

Vice Admiral Peter W. Gautier
Deputy Commandant for Operations, U.S. Coast Guard

Ms. Christa Brzozowski
Acting-Assistant Secretary for Trade and Economic Security, Department of Homeland Security

Ms. Chelsa L. Kenney
Director of International Affairs and Trade, Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Watch Rep. Gimenez’s line of questioning HERE. 

Congressman Carlos Giménez represents Miami-Dade County and the beautiful Florida Keys. He is the only Cuban-born Member of the 118th Congress, having fled his homeland shortly after the Communist takeover of the island. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the Homeland Security Committee, and the Select Committee on China.

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