Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this rule and the underlying bill. House Resolution 455 provides for a structured rule for the consideration of H.R. 2838, the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2011. The rule makes 18 amendments submitted to the Rules Committee in order for robust debate here in the House of Representatives: 10 of those 18 amendments made in order are Democrat- sponsored amendments; 7 are Republican amendments; and one is a bipartisan amendment. Five information-gathering subcommittee hearings were held prior to this bill being reported out of committee. Further, this legislation passed out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with bipartisan support by a voice vote. The Coast Guard is comprised of nearly 100,000 military personnel, reservists, civilian employees, and auxiliary volunteers. It is one of the five branches of the armed services that constitutes our Armed Forces. The Coast Guard or its predecessors has defended this Nation in every war since 1790. Charged primarily with enforcing the laws of the United States in, under, and over the high seas and waters under American jurisdiction, the Coast Guard is asked to serve many functions simultaneously. This is important in my own State of Florida, which has the largest coastline of any of the 48 contiguous States. From drug interdiction to port security to border enforcement, the Coast Guard's reach is wide and its mission critical.…”