Coast Guard Caught in DHS Funding Standoff as Foreign Threats Loom

Republican lawmakers say Coast Guard families are "collateral damage" as Democrats demand ICE reforms before approving budget deal.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Republican lawmakers overseeing the Coast Guard say the military branch is being wrongly hurt by Democrats holding up funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is demanding reforms to ICE before approving a budget deal, leaving the Coast Guard and other DHS agencies without funding. Lawmakers warn this is putting Coast Guard families and operations at risk, especially as China and Russia increase activity near Alaska.

Why it matters

The Coast Guard plays a vital role in protecting America's coasts and waters, including interdicting drug smugglers and monitoring foreign military activity near Alaska. Leaving the Coast Guard unfunded during a political standoff puts national security at risk and creates hardship for Coast Guard families who live paycheck-to-paycheck.

The details

Republican lawmakers say the Coast Guard is being treated as "collateral damage" in the DHS funding standoff, as Democrats demand reforms to ICE before approving a budget deal. This is leaving the Coast Guard, FEMA, the Merchant Marine and other DHS agencies without funding, even as ICE and other immigration-related agencies remain funded. Lawmakers warn this is putting Coast Guard families under financial strain and hampering the service's ability to monitor increasing Chinese and Russian activity near Alaska.

  • The longest government shutdown just ended in October, leaving Coast Guard members still catching up on payments.
  • The current DHS funding standoff threatens to leave the Coast Guard unfunded again.

The players

Charles Schumer

Senate Minority Leader, a Democrat from New York who is demanding reforms to ICE before approving a DHS budget deal.

Mark Begich

Republican Congressman from Alaska who serves on the House Transportation Subcommittee overseeing maritime and Coast Guard operations.

Dan Sullivan

Republican Senator from Alaska who says foreign military activity near the state has sharply increased.

Jimmy Patronis

Republican Congressman from Florida who represents a district with a Coast Guard presence.

Salud Carbajal

Democratic Congressman from California who is the top Democrat on the House panel overseeing the Coast Guard.

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What they’re saying

“Many young Coast Guard families and personnel live paycheck to paycheck. Asking them to continue protecting our waters without the stability they deserve places a real burden on the very people who keep Alaska safe.”

— Mark Begich, Congressman (Fox News)

“Let's just say the world's largest fleet of oceanographic survey ships wasn't off the coast of Alaska to 'save the whales'.”

— Dan Sullivan, Senator (Fox News)

“The role the Coast Guard plays in the Gulf of America is huge. [The shutdown] is a gut punch to morale.”

— Jimmy Patronis, Congressman (Fox News)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.