Elijah Cummings: “Madam Speaker, the Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act, H.R. 2722, which I authored in my capacity as the chairman…”

“Madam Speaker, the Integrated Deepwater Program Reform Act, H.R. 2722, which I authored in my capacity as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, is a critical piece of legislation that will strengthen the management of the Coast Guard's Deepwater procurement program. H.R. 2722 passed both the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on a voice vote and has enjoyed bipartisan support from the members of both the subcommittee and the full committee. I wish to express my deepest appreciation to Chairman James Oberstar for his leadership and support on this measure, and, indeed, for his leadership of our committee. I also express my appreciation to the ranking member of the full committee, Congressman Mica, and the ranking member of the subcommittee, Congressman LaTourette, for their leadership and the commitment they have shown to the success of our United States Coast Guard through their work on the bill before us today. Further, I wish to thank Chairman Bennie Thompson for his wise counsel on this bill and for working with us to get this bill to the floor today.”