Rep. Jim Himes (D-4th District) took to the Long Island Sound Monday with local members of the Coast Guard who pressed the need for federal funding in the current economic climate.

Himes sits on the House Committee on Homeland Security. Coast Guard officials say they wanted to make sure Himes understands the importance of their work when it comes to national security. Himes says he took their message to heart and believes they?re on the front lines.

?The Coast Guard has such a diverse mission,? Himes says. ?They are about helping boaters in distress, navigation, national security and infrastructure protection. You don't learn and understand a mission that diverse by sitting in Washington and reading.?