Janice Hahn: “Thank you, Mr. Larsen and Mr. LoBiondo, for your work on this. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my support for the House and…”

“Thank you, Mr. Larsen and Mr. LoBiondo, for your work on this. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my support for the House and Senate agreement on the Coast Guard reauthorization for fiscal year 2013 and 2014. The United States Coast Guard plays an integral role in our Nation's homeland security. They are on the front lines each and every day ensuring that our ports and waterways remain safe and secure. As a cofounder and cochair of the congressional bipartisan PORTS Caucus, we're learning more and more every day about the critical role that our Coast Guard plays in the security of our ports. Our caucus members had a very productive conversation with Vice Admiral Peter Neffenger of the U.S. Coast Guard in April, whom I got to know very well in Los Angeles when he was the captain of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. He discussed the Coast Guard's critical role in providing security and disaster preparedness at our Nation's ports. That's why providing the Coast Guard with the necessary ships and gear they need is so important. However, it's neither the ships nor the gear that make up the heart of the United States Coast Guard. It is the men and women who fight every day to make this country a safer place. They serve with bravery and poise, and are sometimes called upon to make the ultimate sacrifice. And as has been talked about this morning, unfortunately that is what occurred this past weekend when a brave Coast Guardsman gave his life for this country.…”