WASHINGTON–- U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which exercises jurisdiction over the U.S. Coast Guard, issued the following statement on the nomination of Vice Admiral Karl Schultz to be the 26^th commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.

“Vice Admiral Schultz has years of experience protecting and serving our nation. He is an extremely qualified choice to lead the Coast Guard, which has the unique responsibilities of not only protecting our nation but also enforcing our laws, supporting commerce, and saving lives at sea. Once we receive all necessary information, I expect the committee will move quickly to consider his nomination.”