Ranking Member Garamendi Supports Passage of Bipartisan Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Bill

Press Release

Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-Fairfield, CA) supported passage of H.R. 4005, the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014, bipartisan legislation to authorize two-year funding for the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve. Garamendi is the Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's Coast Guard and Maritime Subcommittee. The legislation, which passed unanimously out of Committee, was similarly approved by the entire House of Representatives by a voice vote.

Upon the bill's passage, Congressman Garamendi issued the following statement:

"These past few years, the maritime sector has faced troubled waters -- irrational budget cuts coupled with uncertainty, policy neglect, and an economic downturn. This bipartisan legislation signifies an important step toward getting us back on course. I am confident that we are beginning to right the ship.

"George Washington's Treasury Secretary Alexander Hamilton referred to our Coast Guard as our "Sentinels of Commerce.' Through commonsense reforms and smart investments, this bill bolsters our Sentinels' vital economic and security missions.

"This legislation will also provide opportunities for maritime businesses. As this legislation moves forward, I will continue to advocate for additional measures to create more American jobs. This includes requiring that Liquefied Natural Gas is exported on U.S. flagged ships that are built in America and sailed by American crews.

"The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 would provide budget stability for the Coast Guard, advance sensible policy reforms, and promote our merchant marine. I want to thank Chairmen Duncan Hunter and Bill Shuster, and Ranking Member Nick Rahall for their bipartisan work in developing this legislation. We have passed a major hurdle toward strengthening maritime law."

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