Homeland Security

In Washington state, homeland security efforts — from local police to border patrol — help protect the state’s international ports and international borderline. To keep the public safe from changing homeland security threats, Maria has fought to ensure that Washington’s first responders have the technology and equipment necessary to communicate quickly during emergencies. Maria has continually worked to bolster security along the northern border and coastline and to improve passenger rail security for the Amtrak Cascades route and nationwide. Maria is also the lead champion advocating for improved warning for tsunamis, mudslides and volcanic threats.

Maria has a strong record of supporting the men and women serving in the Coast Guard. In Washington state, there are 2,047 active duty, 440 Coast Guard reserve, 192 civilian, and 869 Auxiliarists operating 89 small boats, 17 cutters, and 3 aircraft. Maria has passed legislation to expand paid family leave for women serving in the Coast Guard, expanded benefits for Coast Guard veterans and has fought to rebuild the Coast Guard’s aging polar icebreaker fleet which is homeported in Seattle.