Paul Coverdell: “I applaud the Stevens/Coverdell amendment submitted tonight by the Senator from Alaska, appropriating funds for six…”

“I applaud the Stevens/Coverdell amendment submitted tonight by the Senator from Alaska, appropriating funds for six C-130Js for the Coast Guard. Senator Stevens knows first hand of the Coast Guard's need for additional maritime patrol aircraft to meet the multiple aviation missions with which they are tasked. Through my close work with the Coast Guard and their efforts in our nation's war on drugs, I have also seen the need for these planes. In 1998, Senator DeWine and I introduced the Western Hemisphere Drug Elimination Act which restored a balanced drug control strategy by renewing our nation's commitment to international drug eradication and interdiction efforts. A crucial component of this strategy is the work the Coast Guard performs in guarding America's shores from drug dealers. One of the many areas the Coast Guard identified as needing improvement to fulfill this mission was their maritime patrol aircraft fleet. Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Loy said, in reference to the demands placed on the C-130 ``We've lost a full 25 percent or our availability while piling on additional mission requirements.''”