Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman for yielding. The Senate Judiciary Committee raised concerns about the drafting of section 917, which enhanced criminal penalties for individuals who fail to follow Coast Guard orders to ``heave to'' and stop their boat when they are smuggling people into the United States or when the incident results in a death, an attempt to kill, or a kidnapping. The Senate amendment clarifies those penalties and corrects cross-references in the original bill. The other concern raised by the Senate Judiciary Committee is if the Coast Guard uses the subpoena authority in this act without coordinating that action with the Attorney General, it could compromise a criminal investigation. The Senate amendment addresses that concern by requiring the Coast Guard to coordinate its subpoenas under this act with the Attorney General.”