Boozman on road, raises icebreaker

U.S. Sen. John Boozman and other lawmakers traveled last weekend to the nation’s southern border with Mexico.

Boozman also made a stop in the Bay Area.

“We really had a crampacked visit,” he said.

During a stop in Oakland, Calif., Boozman visited with newly appointed U.S. Coast Guard Commandant Karl L. Schultz. A key topic: icebreakers.

“We only have one big icebreaker in service in the United States, which is very important with the thawing of the Arctic and things like that. We desperately need an icebreaker that works,” Boozman said.

Some Republicans want to shift funding for a new icebreaker and use the money, instead, to build President Donald Trump’s long-promised Mexican border wall.

The next day, Boozman traveled to San Diego. Once there, Coast Guard officials briefed him on efforts to combat drug-smuggling.

In addition, he visited the border. Better fencing in the area has resulted in fewer illegal crossings, he added.

From there, Boozman traveled to McAllen, Texas, traveling by boat along the Rio Grande. Before leaving, he toured detention centers where illegal immigrants are held. Planning to visit the nation’s capital? Know something happening in Washington, D.C.? Please contact Frank Lockwood at (202) 662-7690 or flockwood@arkansas online.com. Want the latest from the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s

Washington bureau? It’s available on Twitter, @LockwoodFrank.