Proposal to cut $1.3 billion from Coast Guard if passed

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Wilmington is a coast guard city, and the cutter diligence is a staple in downtown. But according to reports, President Donald Trump is proposing a 1.3 billion dollar cut to the coast guard’s budget.

The proposal to cut $1.3 billion from the Coast Guard if passed, would go toward homeland security to help boost border security. Many people do not see the logic in this proposed budget cut.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, especially if its going to homeland security. The coast guard is already part of the homeland security. There’s no reason to take it from one hand and give it to another,” James Howard said.

“They do a very important job. They’re out there rescuing lives, lives that wouldn’t make it without their education, without their training. I think its very important for Wilmington also,” Marilyn Morales said.

The coast guard says on its last mission, the Diligence prevented more than 60 million dollars of cocaine from entering the United States. Proposed cuts have lawmakers uneasy.

U.S Senator Thom Tillis says “any proposal that would hamper the training, readiness, and equipment needs of our armed forces gives me serious pause. The coast guard is already woefully underfunded, even though it serves a critical mission that is on the front line of the efforts to protect our national security.  I will continue to work with armed services committee chairman John McCain to address the funding and resource needs of all our branches of the military, including the coast guard.”

Congressman David Rouzer says “the United States Coast Guard is critical to safety and security on our waterways and around our ports, many of which are points of entry into our country. As we work to secure our borders, it is vital to ensure the USCG has the necessary resources to fulfill its missions – especially preventing illegal immigration, illicit drugs and potential terrorists from entering our country. The president’s proposed budget is simply a proposal for congress to consider. I highly doubt that congress will decide to reduce the USCG funding to this degree, and there are many of us that will work to keep that from happening.”

Spokesperson for Senator Richard Burr, Taylor Holgate, says “Senator Burr supports enhanced border security but has serious concerns about proposals to take money away from the coast guard and other agencies that play a vital role in protecting our nation.”