WASHINGTON, D.C. (Michigan News Source) – The Trump administration reached an agreement with the Finland government to acquire 11 icebreaker ships for the United States earlier this month.

That agreement spurred two Michigan Congressional representatives put aside their political differences and send a bipartisan letter to the Trump administration asking it to earmark one of those ships for use on the Great Lakes.

Barrett and Scholten team up.

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Republican Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) and Democratic Congresswoman Hillary Scholten (MI-03) sent the bipartisan letter. They lobbied for one of those icebreakers to help the U.S. Coast Guard navigate the Great Lakes during the winter months as well as help secure the northern border.

 

Winter navigation on the Great Lakes.

“It’s clear the Trump administration understands the significant role the United States Coast Guard (USCG) plays in protecting our nation, as well as how its fleet of icebreakers has proven insufficient to meet current operational demands in recent years,” Barrett and Scholten wrote. “As the allocation and planning phase of this agreement takes shape, we respectfully urge you and your team at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure at least one of the newly procured icebreakers is planned for winter navigation on the Great Lakes.”

“The Great Lakes can easily be overlooked by some as part of the Coast Guard’s mission. Relentless winters on the Great Lakes often result in heavy ice accumulation that only icebreakers can navigate through,” the representatives continued. “Without these USCG vessels consistently patrolling the water border between the United States and Canada, our federal law enforcement will be unable to effectively deter border crossings year-round.”

The historic deal.

The Trump administration secured the 11 Arctic Security Cutters on Oct. 10 with a $3.5 billion investment as part of the Working Family Tax Cuts signed into law in July.