Senator Snowe Backs Coast Guard Authorization Bill

June 8, 2009 -- Washington, D.C. -Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmospheres, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Senator Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine) today announced her support for the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2009, bipartisan legislation to authorize funding levels for fiscal years 2010 and 2011.

“The rapidly growing maritime transportation system, expanded coastal development, increased energy demands, and the constant pressure on our vital marine resources challenges all of us in government to be protective stewards of the public’s interests,” said Senator Snowe. “This legislation will provide the Coast Guard with the critical tools needed to modernize and improve its service to the public while ensuring the dedicated Coast Guard men and women faithfully serving our country have the resources and authorities needed to protect our mariners, our fisheries, and our vital marine environment.”

Article continues below...

This week, Senator Snowe joined Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Jay D. Rockefeller (D-WV) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) in introducing the measure, which will continue to allow the Coast Guard to perform non-homeland security missions such as search and rescue, fisheries enforcement, and marine environmental protection, as well as fund the necessary missions related to ports, waterways, and coastal security. Key provisions in this year’s bill include providing the Coast Guard the authority to realign its command structure to eliminate duplication of effort and streamline operations and an overhaul of the Coast Guard’s acquisitions activities.

Source: Senator Olympia J. Snowe