laststandonzombieisland

The 940-page One Big Beautiful Bill Act, H.R.1, has something in it for everyone to like, and everyone to hate, making it a universal adapter of sorts.

While I have written extensively in my column at Guns.com about the NFA-related gun reform (or lack thereof) included in the bill, it should be noted with a grumble that among its trainloads of pork is a huge defense department bump. A $150 billion mandatory funding bump at that.

What may be missed by others is that it also has a record $25 billion windfall for the USCG (“the largest single commitment of funding in Service history”), a welcome sight for one of the most shoestring of uniformed services. Keep in mind that the Coast Guard’s annual FY26 budget is just $14.5 billion.

As noted by the service, “this funding will allow the Coast Guard to procure an estimated 17 new icebreakers, 21 new cutters, over 40 helicopters, and six C-130J aircraft while modernizing shore infrastructure and maritime surveillance systems.”

Investment highlights include:

• $4.4 billion for shore infrastructure, training facilities, and homeports
• $4.3 billion for Polar Security Cutters, extending U.S. reach in the Arctic
• $4.3 billion for nine new Offshore Patrol Cutters
• $3.5 billion for three Arctic Security Cutters
• $2.3 billion for more than 40 MH-60 helicopters
• $2.2 billion for depot-level maintenance to sustain readiness
• $1.1 billion for six new HC-130J aircraft and simulators
• $1 billion for Fast Response Cutters
• $816 million for light and medium Icebreaking Cutters
• $266 million for long-range unmanned aircraft systems
• $170 million for maritime domain awareness, including next-generation sensors
• $162 million for three Waterways Commerce Cutters

The future 360-foot Offshore Patrol Cutter Argus in launch position. Nine sisterships are funded under the OBBB, at about $478 million a pop. Photo: Eastern Shipbuilding Group.