The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 is a bill this committee has worked on for the past 4 years, actually 6 years, starting in the time of the Republican majority, when our committee was united, our committee was unified behind this bill but we couldn't get the other body to act upon it. We have now happily been able to do so. The bill will enable the Coast Guard to continue to perform and meet its daily demands, allowing it to continue to be defined as the world's premier maritime service. Over the past several years, the Coast Guard has fought international terrorism, defended Iraqi pipelines, patrolled for pirates in the Arabian Sea, saved thousands of lives during Hurricane Katrina, and is leading the response effort to the largest oil spill in U.S. history. We must provide the Coast Guard with the support it needs to take care of its staff and carry out its everyday missions. We also need to make long overdue reforms that will enhance the Coast Guard's ability to carry out its important responsibilities for maritime safety, for security, and protection of the environment. The bill we consider today carries out those objectives.
Editor's note · Context
The speaker discusses the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010 and its importance for the Coast Guard's operations and reforms.
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