[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E64-E65]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 22, 2008

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support 
of H. Res. 866, a resolution commending the dedicated men and women of 
the Coast Guard on their remarkable drug interdiction efforts, which 
have resulted in the record seizure of 355,755 pounds of cocaine, 
valued at more than $4.7 billion.
  Embodying its motto of Semper Paratus or ``Always Ready'', the Coast 
Guard has used improved information-sharing and intelligence to 
anticipate and combat smuggling, piracy and other threats before they 
reach America's shores. For example, in September, the Coast Guard 
stopped a vessel loaded with 3,600 gallons of cocaine dissolved in 
diesel fuel. This liquid cocaine could have been converted into 15,800 
pounds of pure cocaine. Earlier last year, the Coast Guard made its 
largest maritime cocaine seizure when it intercepted a Panamanian 
vessel carrying approximately 20 tons of the drug.
  Since the tragic events of 9/11, the Coast Guard's mission has taken 
on increased significance, as they have added critical homeland 
security responsibilities to their traditional missions. As chairman of 
the Committee on Homeland Security, I am well acquainted with the 
extraordinary job the Coast Guard does in fulfilling these missions on 
behalf of our Nation. H. Res. 866 affirms our appreciation for the 
valiant members of the United States Coast Guard, who risk their lives 
every day to rescue and protect the American people and preserve the 
Nation's security. I encourage my

[[Page E65]]

colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.

                          ____________________