WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, Subcommittee on Transportation and Maritime Security Chairman Carlos Gimenez (R-FL) delivered the following opening statement in a hearing to evaluate the role of the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) Deployable Specialized Forces (DSF) within the nation’s broader homeland security strategy. Most recently, USCG’s DSF played a critical role in the seizure of sanctioned oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela, demonstrating the high-risk maritime operations these units conduct and the importance of these specialized forces in protecting U.S. interests. 

Watch Chairman Gimenez’s opening statement here.  

As prepared for delivery: 

Good morning, everyone, and thank you to our witnesses for joining us today. I appreciate you both being here despite a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). I am hopeful we can reach a deal this week to reopen DHS so they can return to their important work protecting and serving the American people.

Today’s hearing will focus on the Coast Guard’s Deployable Specialized Forces, and particularly their role in halting maritime narcotrafficking, smuggling of illicit goods, and related threats from Communist dictatorships. 

For far too long, Venezuela’s export of sanctioned oil and drug cartels has prolonged the regime of Nicolas Maduro, harming both the Venezuelan people and the security of the United States.

On January 3^rd, Operation Absolute Resolve marked a turning point in dismantling Venezuela’s regime with the swift capture of Nicolas Maduro and his wife. This powerful operation begins to restore democracy for the people of Venezuela and upholds the rule of law. I commend President Trump, our military, and diplomatic leaders for their coordinated efforts to complete this successful operation. This decisive action sent a clear message to adversaries worldwide: The United States must not be trifled with.

This operation is personally significant to me, as my family fled to America from the Cuban Communist regime over [sixty-five] years ago. The United States is the shining light of democracy, and through this Operation, can support a future of democracy in Venezuela. 

America is a leader in peace through strength and must continue to confront threats around the world.

Cuba must be considered next: Just the other day, I echoed President Trump’s executive order to impose strict tariffs on all countries that send oil to Cuba’s dictatorship, to end the Castro regime once and for all. I have called for the immediate end of oil shipments to Cuba that fund the corrupt communist regime and crush the Cuban people.
 
It’s why I am eager to hold today’s hearing on the Coast Guard’s role in protecting our homeland from Venezuela’s actions, which helped pave the way for the success of Operation Absolute Resolve. Securing our maritime front by halting and dismantling these sanctioned oil tankers from Venezuela is key to unlocking security and freedom in our corner of the Western Hemisphere. We are grateful for the Coast Guard’s bravery and exceptional tactical operations to properly conduct these right-of-visitation boardings and seize vessels found in violation of U.S. and international law. Ultimately, these criminal regimes must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

This hearing will highlight the Deployable Specialized Force’s historic drug interdiction results, seizing nearly 510,000 pounds of cocaine in Fiscal Year 2025. We also have the opportunity to hear how the Deployable Specialized Forces have become one of the most tactically capable maritime forces of the United States, and what their future holds amid an ever-increasing maritime threat landscape.

We appreciate GAO for being here to testify to its review of the Coast Guard’s Deployable Specialized Forces and areas for improvement. Congress should consider GAO’s recommendations and provide further direction for the future of the Coast Guard. We should also consider the initiatives laid out in the Coast Guard’s recently released Force Design 2028, which calls for a Deployable Specialized Forces Command.

Finally, while we appreciate the witnesses’ presence today, my colleagues and I reiterate our request for a classified member briefing on the oil tanker seizures off the coast of Venezuela. We also ask that operational leaders from the Joint Interagency Task Force South be made available to provide further details on operational impact, emerging threats, and ongoing concerns.

Thank you, and now I recognize the gentleman from Louisiana, Mr. Carter, sitting in for Ranking Member McIver today, for his five minutes for an opening statement.

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