Coast Guard Authorization Act Of 2010
Floor Speech
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Mr. CUELLAR. I thank the gentleman.
Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of today's Coast Guard Authorization Act, H.R. 3619. I commend the distinguished chairman and the ranking member for their work on this excellent piece of legislation. The Coast Guard is an integral part of making our country safe. They conduct daily missions to protect our ports, our waterways and the marine transportation system.
I authored a provision included in this bill to require the Coast Guard to step up border-security efforts on the navigable portions of the Rio Grande, which are international waters. Currently, the Coast Guard is only able to patrol a very small portion of the Rio Grande twice each quarter. This forces local agencies and the U.S. Border Patrol to concentrate the majority of their time and effort on the 1,200 miles of the river banks, instead of the international boundary waters of the Rio Grande.
Along the Rio Grande, the Federal and local officials are being confronted with a multitude of security issues, including border violence, narcotics trafficking, human smuggling, and even diseased bodies floating down the river. By analyzing the current mission and identifying needs and determining how to increase the presence of the Coast Guard in this area, we can help address these local needs and keep our communities safe.
Also there is a piece of clarifying language included in the manager's amendment today that directs the Coast Guard, in conducting the analysis, to work with all necessary and appropriate entities, including Customs and Border Patrol, and local entities with local expertise. Increased cooperation and partnership between local entities and Federal entities will help identify the needs and more efficiently allocate resources. We will continue to fight to protect our communities and enhance security along the border.
Mr. Chairman, I applaud you for the continuing work you have been doing on this important bill, and I urge all my colleagues to vote ``yes.''
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