Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, this is the 11th bill which the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure has brought to the floor thus far in this new session. Indeed, the other 10 bills passed overwhelmingly. I believe that this legislation, the Coast Guard authorization, deserves the same kind of overwhelming support. We are taking action today to authorize funding for one of the most important programs in the United States Government. This Act authorizes approximately $4.6 billion in fiscal year 2000 and $4.8 billion in fiscal year 2001 in expenditures for the Coast Guard operations. It provides funds for the Coast Guard at the levels requested by the President with additional amounts provided for drug interdiction operations. Last year, the Coast Guard received about $250 million in emergency supplemental funds to boost drug interdiction resources in the Caribbean. I can report to the House that I personally have gone out on missions with the Coast Guard and have seen firsthand the outstanding job they do. This legislation maintains the level of drug interdiction provided for fiscal year 1999 with additional amounts consistent with the Western Hemisphere Drug Elimination Act. This bill also contains additional funds for fishing vessel safety and to modernize the national distress and response system. The bill authorizes $128 million in fiscal 2001 to construct a replacement icebreaking vessel for the Great Lakes.”