Jon L. Christensen: “I rise to join Chairman LoBiondo, and Ranking Member Brown and my other colleagues in strong support of H.R. 3507, the…”

“I rise to join Chairman LoBiondo, and Ranking Member Brown and my other colleagues in strong support of H.R. 3507, the Coast Guard Authorization Act. Early in November I had the opportunity to visit with Commander Gene Brooks, of the Greater Antilles Section in San Juan Puerto Rico, which is responsible for my district the U.S. Virgin Islands. What was very clear from that meeting, Mr. Speaker, is that the Coast Guard is in dire need of assets and personnel to carry out their mission. Since September 11, 2001 this has become more urgent, as much of what they had has been deployed elsewhere, and the primary assignment port security and escorting and protecting defense vessels, and hazardous materials, has taken them almost completely away from their role in drugs interdiction, border patrol and marine safety, as well as search and rescue. Mr. Speaker, my district has several assets of national significance and importance. Additionally, because the Virgin Islands is a border of the United States we need a well-staffed and equipped Coast Guard. Mr. Speaker, the $5.9 billion authorized by this bill is a good start. I look forward to working with you and the subcommittee to give this and all the agencies, which secure our homeland, and support our armed forces, all the resources they need to do the job. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3507.”