The White House today marked the 236th anniversary of the United States Coast Guard, with the President issuing a message that lauded the force's role in national security and maritime defense. The President highlighted a $25 billion investment, secured through last year's Working Families Tax Cuts Act, aimed at rebuilding the Coast Guard's fleet. This investment is facilitating the deployment of 21 new cutters, 40 new search and rescue helicopters, and 17 state-of-the-art icebreakers. Additionally, the President noted a $2,000 "Devotion to Duty" payment issued to every Coast Guardsman last December and reported that recruiting numbers have reached their highest levels in a generation.