[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 72 (Thursday, May 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RECOGNIZING THE COAST GUARD, THE COAST GUARD AUXILIARY, AND THE 
                     NATIONAL SAFE BOATING COUNCIL

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 23, 2005

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my support of H.R. 
243, and to recognize the Coast Guard, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and 
the National Safe Boating Council for their efforts to promote National 
Safe Boating Week.
  I represent Florida's 18th District, and a large portion of my 
Congressional district is surrounded by water. To many of my 
constituents, and to many Floridians, boating is a way of life. 
National Safe Boating Week reminds us that even the most experienced 
boater must always be attentive and vigilant to prevent accidents that 
hurt or kill thousands of Americans each year. The National Safe 
Boating Council deserves our thanks for its public education efforts.
  The Coast Guard's mission is not limited to our home waters. Numerous 
Coast Guard vessels are deployed to U.S. Central Command in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom, including two 110-foot patrol boats from South 
Florida--the USCGC Baranof and the USCGC Maui, each with 22 personnel 
aboard--are currently deployed in Bahrain and patrol in the North 
Arabian Gulf.
  I join the citizens of South Florida in saluting the bravery and 
dedication of the men and women serving in the United States Coast 
Guard who are keeping the American people safe and who are defending 
our freedom both at home and abroad.

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