WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a regimental review earlier this month at the United States Coast Guard Academy, U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt was honored for his work in Congress on Coast Guard issues. 
 
“Over these last fourteen years, it has been an honor to have served in Congress and to have been an advocate for the United States Coast Guard,” said Delahunt. “I accept this recognition with great pleasure because as the Representative from one of the largest coastal districts in the country, including Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, I know firsthand how vital the Coast Guard is to the safety and security of our fishermen and all mariners.”
 

Regimental reviews are part of military traditions and ceremonies which serve to develop poise, confidence, speaking skills, teamwork and leadership and provide a valuable means of recognizing military heritage and pride in the Coast Guard. Delahunt was given the honor of serving as the reviewing official as a gesture for his years in Congress advocating for the United States Coast Guard. 

As founder and Co-Chair of the Coast Guard Caucus, Congressman Delahunt has been tireless advocate for the Coast Guard. Having served as a radarman in the Coast Guard Reserves, one of his early initiatives during his first term in office was to create the bipartisan Coast Guard Caucus. The group advocates for the necessary funding and statutory authority to enable the Coast Guard to meet its search and rescue, maritime safety and security missions.  Delahunt has worked side-by-side with other members of the coast Guard Caucus to introduce legislation that establishes parity with the Department of Defense on military housing and child care entitlements

 
In Congress, Delahunt has been successful in winning increases in the Coast Guard budget, helped win support for modernization of its fleet, and the restoration of Coast Guard stations along our coast, including stations in Chatham, Provincetown and Menemsha.  He also led the successful fight to reverse the Bush Administration’s plans to close the Otis Air National Guard base, which  would have forced the relocation of Air Station Cape Cod, creating a major disruption to the Coast Guard’s operations in southern New England.