[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 176 (Thursday, November 17, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2090]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 H.R. 2838, THE ``COAST GUARD AND MARITIME TRANSPORTATION ACT OF 2011''

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                        HON. KATHLEEN C. HOCHUL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 17, 2011

  Ms. HOCHUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 2838, ``the 
Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2011,'' and to salute 
the brave men and women of the United States Coast Guard for their 
service to our nation.
  As a member of the Homeland Security Committee and the Armed Services 
Committee, I recognize the critical role the Coast Guard plays in 
combating piracy, interdicting illegal drugs, preventing acts of 
terrorism, and assisting our coastal communities when they are 
afflicted by natural disasters. That is why I am saddened that 
controversial provisions were attached to this bill.
  I cannot support this legislation because it would strip New York 
State of its right to protect itself from invasive species introduced 
through ballast water, putting New Yorkers and New York State waters at 
risk.
  My home state is blessed to sit on two Great Lakes: Lake Erie and 
Lake Ontario. These waters are of critical importance to the Western 
New York economy and support recreation jobs, fishing jobs, tourism 
jobs, shipping jobs--jobs at our ports, harbors and canals. The people 
of New York are all too aware of the havoc that invasive species like 
Asian Carp and Zebra Mussels can wreak on the Great Lakes and the 
threat they pose to our economy. That is why I oppose this legislation 
and urge my colleagues to preserve New York's right to protect our 
citizens, protect our waters and protect our jobs.

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