Tammy Duckworth: “A few days ago, a new report by the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General made recommendations that could…”

“A few days ago, a new report by the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General made recommendations that could save taxpayers $126 million and improve border security. The Department of Homeland Security uses 62 H-60 helicopters, operated by the Coast Guard and the Customs and Border Protection agencies, for mission support, primarily for law enforcement and search and rescue missions. These aircraft are being converted to add 15 years of additional operational life. The report found that while the Coast Guard properly managed its conversion program, a similar conversion program at Customs and Border Protection led to significant cost overruns and delays that could ground as many as nine of the helicopters beginning in 2014. The IG made what I think is a very good recommendation--have the Coast Guard Aviation Logistics Center conduct the remaining Customs and Border Protection H-60 conversions. According to the IG, the Coast Guard could convert the remaining helicopters much faster and at a lower price tag than CBP. This could save the Department of Homeland Security about $126 million and speed up the time that the aircraft would be operational and patrolling our borders by 7 years. I was disappointed to hear that rather than implementing this commonsense taxpayer-dollar-saving recommendation in this time of scarce resources, the Department of Homeland Security is choosing instead to conduct a cost-benefit analysis. I think this delay is unnecessary.…”