[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 159 (Thursday, October 29, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                H.R. 3619, COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DANIEL B. MAFFEI

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 29, 2009

  Mr. MAFFEI. Madam Speaker, I would like to express my support for 
H.R. 3619, the Coast Guard Authorization Act. This is an important bill 
with many essential provisions, and I would like to thank the Chairman 
and Ranking Member for all of their hard work. This legislation 
authorizes $10 billion in Fiscal Year 2010 funding for the Coast Guard, 
while also including several important provisions such as cruise vessel 
safety and port security. Congress has instructed the Coast Guard to do 
more and more in recent years, yet has not provided them the funding 
necessary to accomplish these objectives. This legislation provides the 
Coast Guard with the resources to meet Congressional directives. 
Unfortunately, I was unable to vote on this legislation, as I was on 
official business back in my district with HUD Secretary Donovan. I 
assure you that, if I was able to be here in Washington, I would have 
voted for this important legislation.
  H.R. 3619 does a great deal to improve national security. The 
legislation improves on port security, and directs the Secretary of 
Homeland Security to submit a report on the threat of a terrorist 
attack on gas or chemical cargo shipments. Additionally, the Coast 
Guard Authorization Act combats alien smuggling by authorizing 
punishment for anyone who is bringing in people who are considered to 
be in the United States illegally. Provisions such as these are 
important for protecting our country from the threat of terrorism and 
ensuring our citizens are safe.
  Once again, I would like to commend Transportation and Infrastructure 
Committee Chairman Oberstar and Ranking Member Mica on this strong 
legislation, and voice my support for H.R. 3619, the Coast Guard 
Authorization Act.