PROVIDING FOR CONCURRENCE WITH AMENDMENTS IN SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 3619, COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2010

Floor Speech

* Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, a bill to authorize the important activities and programs of the United States Coast Guard.

* This comprehensive legislation includes new and enhanced port security programs that will help the Coast Guard protect and defend our nation's seaports, coastlines and waterways.

* Since the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Coast Guard has assumed additional security-related responsibilities and has improved its port and maritime border security and readiness capabilities.

* Accordingly, the bill includes a strong port security title that builds upon the Coast Guard's current initiatives to safeguard the public and protect vessels, harbors, ports, facilities, and cargo within the jurisdiction of the United States.

* For example, the bill's expansion of rapidly deployable specialized forces will enhance the Coast Guard's current ability to respond and operate effectively in a hazardous threat environment.

* The bill also directs the Coast Guard to lead the effort to enforce security zones around vessels carrying certain hazardous cargos, such as liquefied natural gas, as well as to increase the number of detection canine teams responsible for maritime-related security.

* As the Chair of the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism, I am particularly pleased that this legislation includes strong provisions to protect our nation's maritime border.

* The bill authorizes the America's Waterway Watch Program--a ``see it, say it'' maritime domain awareness program that encourages the reporting of suspicious activities on and around our waterways to the Coast Guard.

* Additionally, it authorizes the Mobile Biometric Identification Program, a program that will enhance border security by providing the Coast Guard with state-of-the-art biometric technology to help identify individuals interdicted at sea.

* The bill will require the Coast Guard to develop a comprehensive strategy to combat the illicit flow of narcotics, weapons, bulk cash and other contraband through the use of submersible and semi-submersible vessels.

* Drug trafficking organizations are constructing these vessels for the purpose of bringing narcotics from South America to the United States, and their efforts are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

* Even more troubling is the thought that such vessels could be used to smuggle terrorists or their weapons into our country.

* The Coast Guard's development of a comprehensive strategy to detect and interdict these vessels will be a key component of our effort to defeat these drug trafficking organizations.

* Our Nation demands more from the Coast Guard now than at any other time in the Service's over 200-year history.

* During these challenging times, it is critical that we ensure that the Coast Guard has the resources necessary to fulfill its homeland security mission requirements.

* Passage of H.R. 3619 will provide the Coast Guard with the long-term tools that are needed in this post-9/11 world. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to join me in giving this important resolution their full support.

Source