David Obey: “My amendment provides for full funding of the President's antiterrorism emergency supplemental spending request of $203…”

“My amendment provides for full funding of the President's antiterrorism emergency supplemental spending request of $203 million for the Coast Guard to maintain its aggressive response to terrorist threats to our Nation's ports and waterways. But the reality, Mr. Chairman, is that since September 11, the Coast Guard has increased its counterterrorism operations using existing personnel, vessels and aircraft, augmented by Reserves and auxiliary personnel. Without immediate additional resources from Congress, this posture is unsustainable. For this reason, I am shocked that the supplemental funding bill that we are considering today cuts nearly one-third of the President's request. Mr. Chairman, this is not my request. This is not a request of some other body or entity. This is a request of the President of the United States. The request for this Coast Guard supplemental funding is absolutely essential.”