Rep. Corrine Brown: “The U.S. Coast Guard is a key player in protecting this country from harm, and we need to make sure that they have the…”

“The U.S. Coast Guard is a key player in protecting this country from harm, and we need to make sure that they have the tools they need to do their job. This bill gives them the authority, but we absolutely must work harder when it comes to funding this premier law enforcement agency. The motto of the Coast Guard is Semper Paratus, always ready, and they proved this on September 11. As the tragedy was occurring, the Coast Guard had a plan in place, and within minutes began securing our ports and waterways and protecting our bridges from harm. Whenever we talk about homeland security, we are talking about the U.S. Coast Guard. They are out there every day protecting the world's citizens from harm. The Coast Guard is responsible for protecting our ports and waterways, search and rescue missions, stopping drugs, stopping illegal immigration, and protecting our ships and carriers. But even with all of this, the toughest job they have is competing for money in the transportation budget. Let me repeat that. With all that they do, their toughest job is competing for money in the transportation budget. They have a difficult job, and they deserve adequate funding.”