WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement on the nomination of Admiral Kevin Lunday to be the next Commandant of the United States Coast Guard:

"The Coast Guard must move forward with the sexual assault and sexual harassment reforms and accountability measures that Admiral Lunday paused as Acting Commandant. I am concerned that under his leadership the Coast Guard is redirecting people, ships and aircraft away from search and rescue, fishing vessel safety, and Arctic missions, which hurts our coastal communities and our maritime economy.”

Senator Cantwell is a longtime proponent of supporting the men and women of the Coast Guard and their vital operations in service of America. In 2023, following the disclosure of the Operation Fouled Anchor investigation, Senator Cantwell led the way by calling for an in-depth Inspection General investigation to shed light on these pressing issues. Furthermore, she led the Congress by crafting legislation to help prevent the scourge of sexual assault and harassment, protects survivors, and holds perpetrators accountable. This legislation was included in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025, S. 524, which passed the Senate via unanimous consent in March 2025.

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