Bill Delahunt: “I rise tonight to express grave concern about what I believe to be devastating funding reductions for the U.S. Coast…”

“I rise tonight to express grave concern about what I believe to be devastating funding reductions for the U.S. Coast Guard in this bill. In my view, the decision to cut $29 million from overall FY98 levels, and to shift assets away from some of its most essential missions, will jeopardize the Coast Guard's capacity to safeguard environmental resources and maritime safety. In this context, the additional $15 million reduction in the operating account would seriously impair the Coast Guard's marine conservation, fisheries law enforcement and search-and-rescue capabilities. I am especially dismayed that these cuts were accompanied by an $33.8 million increase in funding for drug interdiction. While I strongly support efforts to intercept illegal narcotics, by land and sea, I was astonished to learn that this new commitment would come at the expense of long-established Coast Guard ice-breaking and fisheries management duties--through budget offsets totaling $20 million and $13.8 million, respectively. The historical pattern is all too familiar. Between operational cutbacks and expanded responsibilities, coastal communities will--once again--start calculating the odds of Coast Guard personnel reductions, decreased hours at sea and station closings. As I read this legislation, there are no provisions relieving the Coast Guard of responsibility for delivering fuel to the Air force in Antarctica, or for its patrols to protect endangered right whales.”