Coast Guard icebreaker funding reallocated to US-Mexico border wall

The Coast Guard cutter Polar Star, with 75,000 horsepower and its 13,500-ton weight, was designed more than 40 years ago, but remains the world's most powerful non-nuclear-powered icebreaker. Recently, the Department of Homeland Security removed $750 million designated for new Coast Guard polar icebreakers, potentially freeing money for a border wall.

Democratic lawmakers, worried about growing Russian and Chinese competition in the Arctic, have criticized the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to free up money for a U.S.-Mexico border wall by reallocating $750 million that had been earmarked for a polar icebreaker.

The U.S. icebreaker fleet is miniscule in comparison to Russia, which has more than 40 icebreakers, according to the Congressional Research Service. The melting ice has degraded Russia’s natural border defenses, prompting Moscow to respond with more ships and new military facilities in the region.

Recently, Russia has raised alarms by declaring plans to expand its Arctic domain.
“Russia has claimed natural resources and territories in the Arctic that exceed its international rights and is investing in ice-capable military assets to back up that claim,” a letter signed last week by eight House lawmakers said.

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