Larry Pressler: “I rise to support adoption of the Coast Guard Conference Report for fiscal years 1996 and 1997. Mr. President, the Coast…”

“I rise to support adoption of the Coast Guard Conference Report for fiscal years 1996 and 1997. Mr. President, the Coast Guard has broad ranging responsibilities-- from enforcing America's maritime laws to ensuring the safety of recreational boaters. Mr. President, like other Federal agencies, the Coast Guard faces the challenge of continuing to provide better government at less cost. It is clear the American taxpayers are demanding a smaller, more accountable Federal Government. At the same time, the demand for certain government services, including those provided by the Coast Guard, continues to be great. The Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Robert E. Kramek, recently announced his National Plan for Streamlining the Coast Guard, which will save, on a cumulative basis, nearly one billion dollars by the year 2005 and make available over one billion dollars in property for other uses. Despite cuts of this magnitude, the Coast Guard will continue to perform all its current missions. I am pleased the Coast Guard is making a serious effort to improve it's efficiency while maintaining its effectiveness.”