PANAMA CITY, FL – Congressman Neal Dunn, M.D. (Florida-02) released the following statement regarding the U.S. Coast Guard’s announcement that it will not award Eastern Shipbuilding Group with the second phase of its Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program.

“The Coast Guard made a mistake in its OPC stage II decision. Eastern Shipbuilding is known for quality products and the Coast Guard knows this. I am very concerned the foreign company awarded the contract lacks experience in building steel vessels. This will ultimately cost taxpayers more money, and further delay these ships from entering service to protect our nation’s shores. My office will work to push the Coast Guard to reconsider this decision.”

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