Judd Gregg: “this language was added to the bill in committee. It did not arise out of the original mark. I opposed the addition of…”

“this language was added to the bill in committee. It did not arise out of the original mark. I opposed the addition of this language because I agree with the Senator from Oklahoma. I have a lot of confidence in the Coast Guard. In fact, within this agency, the Coast Guard is clearly one of the best run, most efficient and most professional groups in our entire Government. The Coast Guard has come to the conclusion they don't need the system, that it is ancillary to the basic needs of navigation. It is a lot like maintaining a black-and-white television when everybody has gone to color--or high definition now. Hand-held GPSs are like little telephones. You can carry them anywhere. The accuracy and instantaneous locating of those devices is extraordinary, especially compared to LORAN. There is no need to keep this black-and-white technology. We should phase it out. The Coast Guard has come up with a plan for doing that. We can save some money, and with that money we can put it into other things the Coast Guard does need. I support the amendment. There are other Members who wish to speak. I don't think we should go to a vote until we have given people the time to come and put their 2 cents in. I support the amendment.”