Rep. Corrine Brown: “Yes, sir. Let me just say as far as the bill is concerned that it is still the same flawed bill that this House passed…”

“Yes, sir. Let me just say as far as the bill is concerned that it is still the same flawed bill that this House passed in August. The problems with creating an agency of this size are still there. I do not see any new solutions. This bill is still taking agencies with important non-homeland security duties and placing them in agencies with no mission statement. The first agency to respond to the terrorist acts of September 11 was the United States Coast Guard. Within minutes, they were guarding our ports, bridges, and waterways from home. It was so reassuring to know that they were out there protecting us while other agencies were still in shock, all under the supervision, by the way, of the Department of Transportation. I am strongly opposed to transferring the Coast Guard to the Department of Homeland Security. Moving the Coast Guard to the new department is not in the best interest of the Coast Guard, the Department of Homeland Security, or the American people. Each year the Coast Guard conducts over 40,000 search and rescue cases. They inspect U.S. and foreign flag ships and protect millions of U.S. citizens who travel on cruise ships and ferries each year. Over 80 percent of the Coast Guard's operation budget is spent on missions that have nothing to do with border protection or Homeland Security. Another reason why I oppose this bill is because of the horrible labor provisions.”