Under the direction of Secretary Pete Buttigieg, the Department of Transportation is making decisions that could potentially compromise two of the United States’ most vital assets—its subsea cable infrastructure and the nation’s rivers and waterways. These choices are in line with the Biden-Harris administration’s ongoing pattern of diverting substantial funding to initiatives focused on equity and environmental concerns.
As initially reported by the Free Beacon, Senator Ted Cruz disclosed that the administration plans to slash $10 million from the annual budget of the Maritime Administration’s Cable Security Fleet (CSF), which is essential for safeguarding underwater infrastructure and maintaining internet connectivity. Instead of this vital funding, the Department of Transportation is requesting to hire 11 staff members dedicated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Additionally, Cruz asserts that funds intended for the U.S. Marine Highway Program are being redirected to support “environmental justice” projects.
Over the years, numerous studies by national security experts have consistently highlighted the strategic significance of subsea cables. These cables are crucial for both national security and global communications, and there is a recognized need for dedicated repair ships to protect these infrastructures. Despite this, the Biden-Harris administration has proposed cutting $10 million from the CSF. This program ensures that American ships are on standby to address any disruptions in the underwater cable network, which is increasingly critical given potential threats from adversaries like Russia and China.
Senator Cruz emphasized the gravity of this situation in a statement, noting, “Undersea cables form the backbone of modern communications and the global internet, carrying virtually all transoceanic digital commerce and communications, including sensitive government and military communications. Any disruption to these cables puts national and economic security at risk.”
While the expansion of DEI initiatives may be welcomed by many on the left, it raises concerns about the broader implications. The DEI expansion is expected to create 11 jobs, but it comes at the cost of the CSF, which employs two ships staffed by a diverse crew of approximately 50 U.S. Merchant Mariners. These individuals could lose their jobs due to the reallocation of funds. This is particularly troubling given that the Department of Defense has identified a critical shortage of mariners.
The threat to America’s cable security is not the only concern. The administration is also targeting the Marine Highway Program, a crucial initiative that supports the transportation of agricultural exports, oil, and manufactured goods via the nation’s rivers and waterways. Despite costing only around $10 million annually, this program is vital for maintaining the efficiency and sustainability of U.S. supply chains. However, according to Senator Cruz, a significant portion of its funding is being diverted to environmental justice initiatives, which could further undermine its effectiveness.
America’s rivers and waterways play a crucial role in national security and economic prosperity. They serve as essential conduits for transporting large quantities of goods, helping to reduce dependence on less sustainable forms of transportation like trucks and planes. Strategically, these waterways support military logistics, facilitate the export of agriculture, oil, and gas, and contribute to maintaining the country’s global economic influence. Protecting and investing in this infrastructure is vital for preserving America’s competitive edge and ensuring the resilience of its supply chains against potential threats.
In a fervent video commentary on the issue, Captain John Konrad, the founder of gCaptain, argued that this is not a partisan issue—it is a matter of national survival. He warned that the administration’s actions could jeopardize not only national security and the economy but also the well-being of minority communities.
“Without securing subsea internet cables, national security is in grave danger. Without funding for our great network of marine highways, the reshoring of manufacturing in America is impossible,” Konrad stated. “We cannot pull manufacturing market share from China, provide jobs, or improve living conditions for poor communities along our rivers, coasts, and Great Lakes without them.”
These developments raise significant concerns about the direction in which the current administration is steering national security and economic priorities. By diverting critical funding away from programs that protect and enhance America’s infrastructure in favor of DEI and environmental justice initiatives, there is a growing fear that the nation’s strategic assets are being compromised. As these decisions unfold, the broader implications for national security, economic stability, and the well-being of communities across the country will need to be carefully considered.
