Following Brooklyn Bridge Strike, Leader Schumer: Trump Administration Must Answer For Meddling With U.S. Count Guard Staffing; Leader Demands Investigation Into Potential DOGE Impacts On Vessel Traffic Control & Entire USCG Operation To Protect All Bridges & Waterways Across Country

New York, N.Y. – Today, after being fully briefed on the Brooklyn Bridge Strike, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) announces NTSB leading accident investigation but questions U.S. Coast Guard staffing issues that demand immediate attention. USCG has a vessel traffic service called ‘VTS’ and this service – because of DOGE chaos – may not be fully or adequately functioning. Leader Schumer raised alarms, noting that the bridge accident reveals potential weak points in safety and community that could have national impacts.

Following Saturday night’s tragic crash of Mexican Navy ship Cuauhtemoc with the Brooklyn Bridge, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is demanding answers, and sounding the alarm for bridges across the nation: last night’s vessel crash into the Brooklyn Bridge reveals potential weak points in USCG safety and communications that could span to national impact. The Trump administration’s meddling with USCG staffing – like new and underreported staffing changes in the U.S. Coast Guard – demand immediate action. Leader Schumer is particularly concerned because the USCG has a FAA-like traffic control operation called the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) that may not be fully or adequately functioning amid DOGE chaos.

“After being fully briefed on last night’s Brooklyn Bridge accident, one thing is predominantly clear: there are more questions than answers as it relates to exactly how this accident occurred,” said Leader Schumer. “Bridges serve as critical transportation arteries for commerce, emergency response, and daily travel, and many span key waterways that are vulnerable to both natural and man-made threats. The Coast Guard plays a crucial role in monitoring and securing these areas, deterring potential terrorist attacks, preventing illegal activities, and responding quickly to emergencies. At the same time, maintaining the structural integrity and safety of America’s bridges is critical to the economy and the well-being of communities. A failure or attack on a major bridge could disrupt supply chains, endanger lives, and cause massive economic losses. It is unacceptable that the Trump administration is potentially jeopardizing our national and economic security – as well as American lives.”

Last night’s vessel was departing South Street Seaport, headed to Iceland and went in the wrong direction and collided with the Brooklyn Bridge. At the time of the crash, the current and the wind were flowing upriver thus requiring the vessel to use its organic power or the assistance of a tug. The vessel did not use a tugboat’s assistance – the vessel pictured in widely posted videos was responding to the incident after the fact, not assisting beforehand.

Leader Schumer today announced that the NTSB will lead the investigation into the accident.

On January 21, 2025, Admiral Linda Fagan was relieved of her duties as Commandant of the US Coast Guard. In the time since then, the position of Commandant has been vacant, without a permanent Commandant nominated. Furthermore, the current hiring freeze at DHS, which the Coast Guard is a part of, has limited the ability for the Coast Guard to fully staff up at the Vehicle Traffic Service (VTS), the shore-side system that provides “Air Traffic Control” for the seas, especially in congested areas and restricted waters. VTS is responsible for safe and efficient navigation and is currently subject to a hiring freeze.

Schumer has detailed these questions for the Administration as he warned that the Brooklyn Bridge vessel strike could be a national harbinger that demands immediate attention. These questions are below:

1. How many jobs have been cut and how many resignations— voluntary or otherwise— have there been since January?
2. How has the hiring freeze impacted Coast Guard readiness and the Vehicle Traffic Service’s safety mission?
3. What changes have been made since January that would impact the readiness of the force?
4. How has the Hegseth call to cut 25% of Flag Officers affected leadership and focus of the force?

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