John Garamendi

I said earlier in my view the Coast Guard is the wall.

It seems to me that it is time for us to fully fund the requirements of the Coast Guard in every way.

In order for us to do so, we need to have from the Coast Guard your full requirements for funding to meet the program that is of record.

It would be irresponsible to pursue this approach when a more cost-effective alternative exists.

To get rid of a regulation, it is the same process as establishing a regulation. Is that correct?

We are currently studying and working with the Department on the impacts of the Executive orders that have to do with regulations.

We need to modify the law, which is now almost 30 years old so that we recognize the realities of the industry as it exists today.

It is clear to me--and I think to many members of this committee--that we have a situation evolving in which oligarchic power is in existence.

I think it is important to make that distinction.

I am looking forward to this hearing.

So, the Coast Guard remains opposed to exemptions from the fire safety standards for this vessel or any other vessel. Is that correct?

Our Nation needs more Coast Guard, and that extends to all of our responsibilities.

We need to hear from the Coast Guard on the regulatory issues.

Know that at least this member of this committee remains concerned about the quality of the oversight, and the independent testing laboratories.

We need more Coast Guard.

I remember well the investigations that Congress undertook in the Nixon period--the Watergate investigations. Frankly, I am appalled at the way in which this House is conducting its investigations. It is high time that we have an…

I think that the most important fact has been that Governor Deal and I always had a strong working relationship.

You expect us to approve something that you have not submitted to us?

Do you expect us to give you $5 billion on a war plan that you have not submitted to us?

We would be purchasing foreign-made ships for a tradition of American-built ships in the Ready Reserve?

I want to move to what is, I guess, my--I don't know, it has become an obsession, how to build ships in the United States...

I think we have an opportunity here to achieve what you said in your last couple of sentences...

OMB has done its thing, and that is fine. They can suggest, but we are the ones that are actually going to write the appropriation as well as the budgets.

Every day the Coast Guard's missions are critical to our Nation's defense.

If we are going to exploit a strategic American resource, such as natural gas and oil, it ought to be on American-built ships with American sailors