Garamendi Introduces Bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization

Press Release

Bipartisan legislation that supports and strengthens the United States Coast Guard, one of our Nation's five armed services, in its critical missions to save lives, safeguard our shores, and protect living marine resources was introduced in the House of Representatives today by the leadership of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee.

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (H.R. 1987) authorizes Coast Guard and Federal Maritime Commission funding levels for two years, and includes provisions to improve Coast Guard mission effectiveness, help modernize the Service's aging vessels and other assets, and reform U.S. maritime transportation laws. The bill was introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), along with Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Ranking Member John Garamendi (D-CA). Click here to read the bill. Click here for an packet providing a bill summary and background information.

"I am proud to introduce the bipartisan Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Reauthorization Act with Chairman Shuster, Chairman Hunter, and Ranking Member DeFazio. This legislation would provide budget stability for the Coast Guard, strengthening its ability to protect our nation and safeguard maritime commerce," said Ranking Member Garamendi. "This bill would also authorize sufficient funding to help address the many unmet capital project needs of the Coast Guard, including an Icebreaker for the Arctic, preparation of C-27 J aircraft for Coast Guard service, and Coast Guard station repairs. One priority of mine is to make sure that when we export LNG, this national asset is transported on American built ships with American crews. This is a good bipartisan bill that we can make great through continued collaboration."

"For more than 100 years, the Coast Guard has kept our ports and waterways secure, protected our shores and communities, and responded to disasters or emergencies affecting our mariners, fishermen, and the general public," said Ranking Member DeFazio. "Congress must ensure that the Coast Guard has the resources and assets necessary to accomplish its mission, and this bipartisan bill attempts to meet that shared goal."

"The men and women of the Coast Guard continue to perform a vital role in supporting maritime safety and security," said Chairman Hunter. "With bipartisan support, this bill seeks to strengthen the Coast Guard's ability to meet their broad array of critical mission needs."

"The work of the Coast Guard is essential to a safe, efficient, and secure maritime transportation system, and this bill responsibly supports the men and women who carry out that important work on a daily basis," said Chairman Shuster.