Political Quotes

“with an extensive shoreline in Washington State, the Coast Guard plays an important role in protecting those people who rely on the waters of the Columbia River, Puget Sound, and the Pacific Ocean for commercial and recreational purposes. Whether it is dangerous search and rescue operations, enforcement of existing fishing treaties with Canada, or maintenance of navigational aids, the Coast Guard does its job and it does it well. For that reason, Mr. President, I included language in the report accompanying the budget resolution that commends the Coast Guard for both its current operations, as well as its efforts to streamline and reduce its overall budget. Under Adm. Robert Kramek's leadership as Commandant of the Coast Guard for the past 3 years, the Coast Guard has reduced its work force by 4,000 positions and lowered its budget by $400 million per year. All of this done without reducing any valuable services to the general public. In all of the debate over the next 9 months regarding funding for specific programs, I hope that the fiscal year 1997 Coast Guard budget appropriately reflects the efforts being made by Admiral Kramek and all of his staff to provide better government at less cost, while still providing important services to the citizens in Washington State and across the country.”