[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 16675-16681]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                 COAST GUARD AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2000

  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate now 
proceed to the consideration of Calendar No. 567, S. 1089.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the bill by title.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       A bill (S. 1089) to authorize appropriations for fiscal 
     year 2000 and 2001 for the United States Coast Guard, and for 
     other purposes.

  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, the Senate will proceed to 
the consideration of the bill.
  The Senate proceeded to consider the bill, which had been reported 
from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation with an 
amendment to strike all after the enacting clause and insert the 
printed in italic:

                                S. 1089

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Coast Guard Authorization 
     Act of 2000''.

                         TITLE I--AUTHORIZATION

     SEC. 101. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

       (a) Authorization for Fiscal Year 2000.--Funds are 
     authorized to be appropriated for necessary expenses of the 
     Coast Guard for fiscal year 2000, as follows:
       (1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard, 
     $2,781,000,000, of which $300,000,000 shall be available for 
     defense-related activities and of which $25,000,000 shall be 
     derived from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.
       (2) For the acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and 
     improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore 
     facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equipment 
     related thereto, $389,326,000, to remain available until 
     expended, of which $20,000,000 shall be derived from the Oil 
     Spill Liability Trust Fund to carry out the purposes of 
     section 1012(a)(5) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990.
       (3) For research, development, test, and evaluation of 
     technologies, materials, and human factors directly relating 
     to improving the performance of the Coast Guard's mission in 
     support of search and rescue, aids to navigation, marine 
     safety, marine environmental protection, enforcement of laws 
     and treaties, ice operations, oceanographic research, and 
     defense readiness, $19,000,000, to remain available until 
     expended, of which $3,500,000 shall be derived from the Oil 
     Spill Liability Trust Fund.
       (4) For retired pay (including the payment of obligations 
     otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropriations for this 
     purpose), payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family 
     Protection and Survivor Benefit Plans, and payments for 
     medical care of retired personnel and their dependents under 
     chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, such sums as may 
     be necessary, to remain available until expended.
       (5) For environmental compliance and restoration at Coast 
     Guard facilities (other than parts and equipment associated 
     with operations and maintenance), $17,000,000, to remain 
     available until expended.
       (6) For alteration or removal of bridges over navigable 
     waters of the United States constituting obstructions to 
     navigation, and for personnel and administrative costs 
     associated with the Bridge Alteration Program, $15,000,000, 
     to remain available until expended.
       (b) Authorization for Fiscal Year 2001.--Funds are 
     authorized to be appropriated for necessary expenses of the 
     Coast Guard for fiscal year 2001, as follows:
       (1) For the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard, 
     $3,199,000,000, of which $25,000,000 shall be derived from 
     the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund.
       (2) For the acquisition, construction, rebuilding, and 
     improvement of aids to navigation, shore and offshore 
     facilities, vessels, and aircraft, including equipment 
     related thereto, $520,000,000, to remain available until 
     expended, of which $20,000,000 shall be derived from the Oil 
     Spill Liability Trust Fund to carry out the purposes of 
     section 1012(a)(5) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, and of 
     which $110,000,000 shall be available for the construction 
     and acquisition of a replacement vessel for the Coast Guard 
     Cutter MACKINAW.
       (3) For research, development, test, and evaluation of 
     technologies, materials, and human factors directly relating 
     to improving the performance of the Coast Guard's mission in 
     support of search and rescue, aids to navigation, marine 
     safety, marine environmental protection, enforcement of laws 
     and treaties, ice operations, oceanographic research, and 
     defense readiness, $21,320,000, to remain available until 
     expended, of which $3,500,000 shall be derived from the Oil 
     Spill Liability Trust Fund.
       (4) For retired pay (including the payment of obligations 
     otherwise chargeable to lapsed appropriations for this 
     purpose), payments under the Retired Serviceman's Family 
     Protection and Survivor Benefit Plans, and payments for 
     medical care of retired personnel and their dependents under 
     chapter 55 of title 10, United States Code, such sums as may 
     be necessary, to remain available until expended.
       (5) For environmental compliance and restoration at Coast 
     Guard facilities (other than parts and equipment associated 
     with operations and maintenance), $16,700,000, to remain 
     available until expended.
       (6) For alteration or removal of bridges over navigable 
     waters of the United States constituting obstructions to 
     navigation, and for personnel and administrative costs 
     associated with the Bridge Alteration Program, $15,000,000, 
     to remain available until expended.
       (c) Authorization for Fiscal Year 2002.--Funds are 
     authorized to be appropriated for necessary expenses of the 
     Coast Guard for fiscal year 2002 as such sums as may be 
     necessary, of which $8,000,000 shall be available for 
     construction or acquistion of a replacement vessel for the 
     Coast Guard Cutter MACKINAW.

     SEC. 102. AUTHORIZED LEVELS OF MILITARY STRENGTH AND 
                   TRAINING.

       (a) End-of-Year Strength for Fiscal Year 2000.--The Coast 
     Guard is authorized an end-of-year strength for active duty 
     personnel of 40,000 as of September 30, 2000.
       (b) Training Student Loads for Fiscal Year 2000.--For each 
     of fiscal years 2000 and 2001, the Coast Guard is authorized 
     average military training student loads as follows:
       (1) For recruit and special training, 1,500 student years.
       (2) For flight training, 100 student years.
       (3) For professional training in military and civilian 
     institutions, 300 student years.
       (4) For officer acquisition, 1,000 student years.
       (c) End-of-Year Strength for Fiscal Year 2001.--The Coast 
     Guard is authorized an end-of-year strength for active duty 
     personnel of 44,000 as of September 30, 2001.
       (d) Training Student Loads for Fiscal Year 2001.--For 
     fiscal year 2001, the Coast Guard is authorized average 
     military training student loads as follows:
       (1) For recruit and special training, 1,500 student years.
       (2) For flight training, 125 student years.
       (3) For professional training in military and civilian 
     institutions, 300 student years.
       (4) For officer acquisition, 1,000 student years.
       (e) End-of-the-Year Strength for Fiscal Year 2002.--The 
     Coast Guard is authorized an end-of-year strength of active 
     duty personnel of 45,500 as of September 30, 2002.
       (f) Training Student Loads for Fiscal Year 2002.--For 
     fiscal year 2002, the Coast Guard is authorized average 
     military training student loads as follows:
       (1) For recruit and special training, 1,500 student years.
       (2) For flight training, 125 student years.
       (3) For professional training in military and civilian 
     institutions, 300 student years.
       (4) For officer acquisition, 1,000 student years.

     SEC. 103. LORAN-C.

       (a) Fiscal Year 2001.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to the Department of Transportation, in addition 
     to funds authorized for the Coast Guard for operation of the 
     LORAN-C system, for capital expenses related to LORAN-C 
     navigation infrastructure, $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2001. 
     The Secretary of Transportation may transfer from the Federal 
     Aviation Administration and other agencies of the department 
     funds appropriated as authorized under this section in order 
     to reimburse the Coast Guard for related expenses.
       (b) Fiscal Year 2002.--There are authorized to be 
     appropriated to the Department of Transportation, in addition 
     to funds authorized for the Coast Guard for operation of the 
     LORAN-C system, for capital expenses related to LORAN-C 
     navigation infrastructure, $40,000,000 for fiscal year 2002. 
     The Secretary of Transportation may transfer from the Federal 
     Aviation Administration and other agencies of the department

[[Page 16676]]

      funds appropriated as authorized under this section in order 
     to reimburse the Coast Guard for related expenses.

     SEC. 104. PATROL CRAFT.

       (a) Transfer of Craft From DOD.--Notwithstanding any other 
     provision of law, the Secretary of Transportation may accept, 
     by direct transfer without cost, for use by the Coast Guard 
     primarily for expanded drug interdiction activities required 
     to meet national supply reduction performance goals, up to 7 
     PC-170 patrol craft from the Department of Defense if it 
     offers to transfer such craft.
       (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized 
     to be apropriated to the Coast Guard, in addition to amounts 
     otherwise authorized by this Act, up to $100,000,000, to 
     remain available until expended, for the conversion of, 
     operation and maintenance of, personnel to operate and 
     support, and shoreside infrastructure requirements for, up to 
     7 patrol craft.

                     TITLE II--PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

     SEC. 201. COAST GUARD BAND DIRECTOR RANK.

       Section 336(d) of title 14, United States Code, is amended 
     by striking ``commander'' and inserting ``captain''.

     SEC. 202. COAST GUARD MEMBERSHIP ON THE USO BOARD OF 
                   GOVERNORS.

       Section 220104(a)(2) of title 36, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph (B);
       (2) by redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (D); 
     and
       (3) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:
       ``(C) the Secretary of Transportation, or the Secretary's 
     designee, when the Coast Guard is not operating under the 
     Department of the Navy; and''.

     SEC. 203. COMPENSATORY ABSENCE FOR ISOLATED DUTY.

       (a) In General.--Section 511 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec.   511. Compensatory absence from duty for military 
       personnel at isolated duty stations

       ``The Secretary may prescribe regulations to grant 
     compensatory absence from duty to military personnel of the 
     Coast Guard serving at isolated duty stations of the Coast 
     Guard when conditions of duty result in confinement because 
     of isolation or in long periods of continuous duty.''.
       (b) Clerical Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 
     13 of title 14, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     the item relating to section 511 and inserting the following:

``511. Compensatory absence from duty for military personnel at 
              isolated duty stations''.

     SEC. 204. ACCELERATED PROMOTION OF CERTAIN COAST GUARD 
                   OFFICERS.

       Title 14, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) in section 259, by adding at the end a new subsection 
     (c) to read as follows:
       ``(c) After selecting the officers to be recommended for 
     promotion, a selection board may recommend officers of 
     particular merit, from among those officers chosen for 
     promotion, to be placed at the top of the list of selectees 
     promulgated by the Secretary under section 271(a) of this 
     title. The number of officers that a board may recommend to 
     be placed at the top of the list of selectees may not exceed 
     the percentages set forth in subsection (b) unless such a 
     percentage is a number less than one, in which case the board 
     may recommend one officer for such placement. No officer may 
     be recommended to be placed at the top of the list of 
     selectees unless he or she receives the recommendation of at 
     least a majority of the members of a board composed of five 
     members, or at least two-thirds of the members of a board 
     composed of more than five members.'';
       (2) in section 260(a), by inserting ``and the names of 
     those officers recommended to be advanced to the top of the 
     list of selectees established by the Secretary under section 
     271(a) of this title'' after ``promotion''; and
       (3) in section 271(a), by inserting at the end thereof the 
     following: ``The names of all officers approved by the 
     President and recommended by the board to be placed at the 
     top of the list of selectees shall be placed at the top of 
     the list of selectees in the order of seniority on the active 
     duty promotion list.''.

     SEC. 205. COAST GUARD ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

       (a) In General.--Section 193 of title 14, United States 
     Code, is amended to read as follows:

     ``Sec.  193. Board of Trustees.

       ``(a) Establishment.--The Commandant of the Coast Guard may 
     establish a Coast Guard Academy Board of Trustees to provide 
     advice to the Commandant and the Superintendent on matters 
     relating to the operation of the Academy and its programs.
       ``(b) Membership.--The Commandant shall appoint the members 
     of the Board of Trustees, which may include persons of 
     distinction in education and other fields related to the 
     missions and operation of the Academy. The Commandant shall 
     appoint a chairperson from among the members of the Board of 
     Trustees.
       ``(c) Expenses.--Members of the Board of Trustees who are 
     not Federal employees shall be allowed travel expenses while 
     away from their homes or regular places of business in the 
     performance of service for the Board of Trustees. Travel 
     expenses include per diem in lieu of subsistence in the same 
     manner as persons employed intermittently in the Government 
     service are allowed expenses under section 5703 of title 5.
       ``(d) FACA Not To Apply.-- The Federal Advisory Committee 
     Act (5 U.S.C. App. ) shall not apply to the Board of Trustees 
     established pursuant to this section.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--
       (1) Section 194(a) of title 14, United States Code, is 
     amended by striking ``Advisory Committee'' and inserting 
     ``Board of Trustees''.
       (2) The chapter analysis for chapter 9 of title 14, United 
     States Code, is amended by striking the item relating to 
     section 193, and inserting the following:

``193. Board of Trustees''.

     SEC. 206. SPECIAL PAY FOR PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS.

       Section 302c(d)(1) of title 37, United States Code, is 
     amended by inserting ``an officer in the Coast Guard or Coast 
     Guard Reserve designated as a physician assistant,'' after 
     ``nurse,''.

     SEC. 207. SUSPENSION OF RETIRED PAY OF COAST GUARD MEMBERS 
                   WHO ARE ABSENT FROM THE UNITED STATES TO AVOID 
                   PROSECUTION.

       Procedures promulgated by the Secretary of Defense under 
     section 633(a) of the National Defense Authorization Act for 
     Fiscal Year 1997 (Public Law 104-201) shall apply to the 
     Coast Guard. The Commandant of the Coast Guard shall be 
     considered a Secretary of a military department for purposes 
     of suspending pay under section 633 of that Act.

                        TITLE III--MARINE SAFETY

     SEC. 301. EXTENSION OF TERRITORIAL SEA FOR VESSEL BRIDGE-TO-
                   BRIDGE RADIOTELEPHONE ACT.

       Section 4(b) of the Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone 
     Act (33 U.S.C. 1203(b)), is amended by striking ``United 
     States inside the lines established pursuant to section 2 of 
     the Act of February 19, 1895 (28 Stat. 672), as amended.'' 
     and inserting ``United States, which includes all waters of 
     the territorial sea of the United States as described in 
     Presidential Proclamation 5928 of December 27, 1988.''.

     SEC. 302. REPORT ON ICEBREAKING SERVICES.

       (a) Report.--Not later than 9 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard 
     shall submit to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
     Transportation of the Senate, and the Committee on 
     Transportation and Infrastructure of the House, a report on 
     the use of WYTL-class harbor tugs. The report shall include 
     an analysis of the use of such vessels to perform icebreaking 
     services; the degree to which, if any, the decommissioning of 
     each such vessel would result in a degradation of current 
     icebreaking services; and in the event that the 
     decommissioning of any such vessel would result in a 
     significant degradation of icebreaking services, 
     recommendations to remediate such degradation.
       (b) 9-Month Waiting Period.--The Commandant of the Coast 
     Guard shall not plan, implement or finalize any regulation or 
     take any other action which would result in the 
     decommissioning of any WYTL-class harbor tugs until 9 months 
     after the date of the submission of the report required by 
     subsection (a) of this section.

     SEC. 303. OIL SPILL LIABILITY TRUST FUND ANNUAL REPORT.

       (a) In General.--The report regarding the Oil Spill 
     Liability Trust Fund required by the Conference Report (House 
     Report 101-892) accompanying the Department of Transportation 
     and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1991, as that 
     requirement was amended by section 1122 of the Federal 
     Reports Elimination and Sunset Act of 1995 (26 U.S.C. 9509 
     note), shall no longer be submitted to Congress.
       (b) Repeal.--Section 1122 of the Federal Reports 
     Elimination and Sunset Act of 1995 (26 U.S.C. 9509 note) is 
     amended by--
       (1) striking subsection (a); and
       (2) striking ``(b) Report on Joint Federal and State Motor 
     Fuel Tax Compliance Project.--''.

     SEC. 304. OIL SPILL LIABILITY TRUST FUND; EMERGENCY FUND 
                   BORROWING AUTHORITY.

       Section 6002(b) of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (33 U.S.C. 
     2752(b)) is amended after the first sentence by inserting 
     ``To the extent that such amount is not adequate for removal 
     of a discharge or the mitigation or prevention of a 
     substantial threat of a discharge, the Coast Guard may borrow 
     from the Fund such sums as may be necessary, up to a maximum 
     of $100,000,000, and within 30 days shall notify Congress of 
     the amount borrowed and the facts and circumstances 
     necessitating the loan. Amounts borrowed shall be repaid to 
     the Fund when, and to the extent that removal costs are 
     recovered by the Coast Guard from responsible parties for the 
     discharge or substantial threat of discharge.''.

     SEC. 305. MERCHANT MARINER DOCUMENT REQUIREMENTS.

       Section 8701(a) of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph (8);
       (2) by redesignating paragraph (9) as paragraph (10); and
       (3) by inserting after paragraph (8) the following:
       ``(9) a passenger vessel not engaged in a foreign voyage 
     with respect to individuals on board employed as gaming 
     personnel, entertainment personnel, wait staff, or other 
     service personnel, with no duties, including emergency 
     duties, related to the navigation of the vessel or the safety 
     of the vessel, its crew, cargo, or passengers; and''.

[[Page 16677]]



                  TITLE IV--RENEWAL OF ADVISORY GROUPS

     SEC. 401. COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY VESSEL ADVISORY 
                   COMMITTEE.

       (a) Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Advisory 
     Committee.--Section 4508 of title 46, United States Code, is 
     amended--
       (1) by inserting ``Safety'' in the heading after 
     ``Vessel'';
       (2) by inserting ``Safety''in subsection (a) after 
     ``Vessel'';
       (3) by striking ``Secretary'' in subsection (a)(1) and 
     inserting ``Secretary, through the Commandant of the Coast 
     Guard,'';
       (4) by striking ``Secretary'' in subsection (a)(4) and 
     inserting ``Commandant'';
       (5) by striking the last sentence in subsection (b)(5);
       (6) by striking ``Committee'' in subsection (c)(1) and 
     inserting ``Committee, through the Commandant,'';
       (7) by striking ``shall'' in subsection (c)(2) and 
     inserting ``shall, through the Commandant,''; and
       (8) by striking ``(5 U.S.C App. 1 et seq.)'' in subsection 
     (e)(1)(I) and inserting ``(5 U.S.C. App.)''; and
       (9) by striking ``of September 30, 2000'' and inserting 
     ``on September 30, 2005''.
       (b) Conforming Amendment.--The chapter analysis for chapter 
     45 of title 46, United States Code, is amended by striking 
     the item relating to section 4508 and inserting the 
     following:

``4508. Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Advisory Committee''.

     SEC. 402. HOUSTON-GALVESTON NAVIGATION SAFETY ADVISORY 
                   COMMITTEE.

       Section 18 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1991 is 
     amended--
       (1) by striking ``operating (hereinafter in this part 
     referred to as the `Secretary')'' in the second sentence of 
     subsection (a)(1) and inserting ``operating, through the 
     Commandant of the Coast Guard,'';
       (2) by striking ``Committee'' in the third sentence of 
     subsection (a)(1) and inserting ``Committee, through the 
     Commandant,'';
       (3) by striking ``Secretary,'' in the second sentence of 
     subsection (a)(2) and inserting ``Commandant,''; and
       (4) by striking ``September 30, 2000.'' in subsection (h) 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2005.''.

     SEC. 403. LOWER MISSISSIPPI RIVER WATERWAY ADVISORY 
                   COMMITTEE.

       Section 19 of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1991 
     (Public Law 102-241) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``operating (hereinafter in this part 
     referred to as the `Secretary')'' in the second sentence of 
     subsection (a)(1) and inserting ``operating, through the 
     Commandant of the Coast Guard,'';
       (2) by striking ``Committee'' in the third sentence of 
     subsection (a)(1) and inserting ``Committee, through the 
     Commandant,''; and
       (3) by striking ``September 30, 2000'' in subsection (g) 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2005''.

     SEC. 404. GREAT LAKES PILOTAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

       Section 9307 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Secretary'' in subsection (a)(1) and 
     inserting ``Secretary, through the Commandant of the Coast 
     Guard,'';
       (2) by striking ``Secretary,'' in subsection (a)(4)(A) and 
     inserting ``Commandant,'';
       (3) by striking the last sentence of subsection (c)(2);
       (4) by striking ``Committee'' in subsection (d)(1) and 
     inserting ``Committee, through the Commandant,'';
       (5) by striking ``Secretary'' in subsection (d)(2) and 
     inserting ``Secretary, through the Commandant,''; and
       (6) by striking ``September 30, 2003.'' in subsection 
     (f)(1) and inserting ``September 30, 2005.''.

     SEC. 405. NAVIGATION SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL.

       Section 5 of the Inland Navigational Rules Act of 1980 (33 
     U.S.C. 2073) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Secretary'' in the first sentence of 
     subsection (b) and inserting ``Secretary, through the 
     Commandant of the Coast Guard,'';
       (2) by striking ``Secretary'' in the third sentence of 
     subsection (b) and inserting ``Commandant''; and
       (3) by striking ``September 30, 2000'' in subsection (d) 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2005''.

     SEC. 406. NATIONAL BOATING SAFETY ADVISORY COUNCIL.

       Section 13110 of title 46, United States Code, is amended--
       (1) by striking ``consult'' in subsection (c) and inserting 
     ``consult, through the Commandant of the Coast Guard,''; and
       (2) by striking ``September 30, 2000'' in subsection (e) 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2005''.

     SEC. 407. TOWING SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE.

       The Act entitled An Act to Establish a Towing Safety 
     Advisory Committee in the Department of Transportation (33 
     U.S.C. 1231a) is amended--
       (1) by striking ``Secretary'' in the second sentence of 
     subsection (b) and inserting ``Secretary, through the 
     Commandant of the Coast Guard'';
       (2) by striking ``Secretary'' in the first sentence of 
     subsection (c) and inserting ``Secretary, through the 
     Commandant,'';
       (3) by striking ``Committee'' in the third sentence of 
     subsection (c) and inserting ``Committee, through the 
     Commandant,'';
       (4) by striking ``Secretary,'' in the fourth sentence of 
     subsection (c) and inserting ``Commandant,''; and
       (5) by striking ``September 30, 2000.'' in subsection (e) 
     and inserting ``September 30, 2005.''.

                         TITLE V--MISCELLANEOUS

     SEC. 501. COAST GUARD REPORT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF NTSB 
                   RECOMMENDATIONS.

       The Commandant of the United States Coast Guard shall 
     submit a written report to the Committee on Commerce, 
     Science, and Transportation within 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act on what actions the Coast Guard has 
     taken to implement the recommendations of the National 
     Transportation Safety Board in its Report No. MAR-99-01. The 
     report--
       (1) shall describe in detail, by geographic region--
       (A) what steps the Coast Guard is taking to fill gaps in 
     its communications coverage;
       (B) what progress the Coast Guard has made in installing 
     direction-finding systems; and
       (C) what progress the Coast Guard has made toward 
     completing its national distress and response system 
     modernization project; and
       (2) include an assessment of the safety benefits that might 
     reasonably be expected to result from increased or 
     accelerated funding for--
       (A) measures described in paragraph (1)(A); and
       (B) the national distress and response system modernization 
     project.

     SEC. 502. CONVEYANCE OF COAST GUARD PROPERTY IN PORTLAND, 
                   MAINE.

       (a) Authority To Convey.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator of the General Services 
     Administration may convey to the Gulf of Maine Aquarium 
     Development Corporation, its successors and assigns, without 
     payment for consideration, all right, title, and interest of 
     the United States of America in and to approximately 4.13 
     acres of land, including a pier and bulkhead, known as the 
     Naval Reserve Pier property, together with any improvements 
     thereon in their then current condition, located in Portland, 
     Maine. All conditions placed with the deed of title shall be 
     construed as covenants running with the land. Since the 
     Federal agency actions necessary to effectuate the transfer 
     of the Naval Reserve Pier property will further the 
     objectives of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 
     (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the National Historic 
     Preservation Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), 
     requirements applicable to agency actions under these and 
     other environmental planning laws are unnecessary and shall 
     not be required. The provisions of the Stewart B. McKinney 
     Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11301 et seq.) shall not 
     apply to any building or property at the Naval Reserve Pier 
     property.
       (2) Identification of property.--The Administrator, in 
     consultation with the Commandant of the Coast Guard, may 
     identify, describe, and determine the property to be conveyed 
     under this section. The floating docks associated with or 
     attached to the Naval Reserve Pier property shall remain the 
     personal property of the United States.
       (b) Lease to the United States.--
       (1) The Naval Reserve Pier property shall not be conveyed 
     until the Corporation enters into a lease agreement with the 
     United States, the terms of which are mutually satisfactory 
     to the Commandant and the Corporation, in which the 
     Corporation shall lease a portion of the Naval Reserve Pier 
     property to the United States for a term of 30 years without 
     payment of consideration. The lease agreement shall be 
     executed within 12 months after the date of enactment of this 
     Act.
       (2) The Administrator, in consultation with the Commandant, 
     may identify and describe the Leased Premises and rights of 
     access including, but not limited to, those listed below, in 
     order to allow the United States Coast Guard to operate and 
     perform missions, from and upon the Leased Premises:
       (A) the right of ingress and egress over the Naval Reserve 
     Pier property, including the pier and bulkhead, at any time, 
     without notice, for purposes of access to United States Coast 
     Guard vessels and performance of United States Coast Guard 
     missions and other mission-related activities;
       (B) the right to berth United States Coast Guard cutters or 
     other vessels as required, in the moorings along the east 
     side of the Naval Reserve Pier property, and the right to 
     attach floating docks which shall be owned and maintained at 
     the United States' sole cost and expense;
       (C) the right to operate, maintain, remove, relocate, or 
     replace an aid to navigation located upon, or to install any 
     aid to navigation upon, the Naval Reserve Pier property as 
     the Coast Guard, in its sole discretion, may determine is 
     needed for navigational purposes;
       (D) the right to occupy up to 3,000 gross square feet at 
     the Naval Reserve Pier Property for storage and office space, 
     which will be provided and constructed by the Corporation, at 
     the Corporation's sole cost and expense, and which will be 
     maintained, and utilities and other operating expenses paid 
     for, by the United States at its sole cost and expense;
        (E) the right to occupy up to 1200 gross square feet of 
     offsite storage in a location other than the Naval Reserve 
     Pier Property, which will be provided by the Corporation at 
     the Corporation's sole cost and expense, and which will be 
     maintained, and utilities and other operating expenses paid 
     for, by the United States at its sole cost and expense; and
       (F) the right for United States Coast Guard personnel to 
     park up to 60 vehicles, at no expense to the government, in 
     the Corporation's parking spaces on the Naval Reserve Pier 
     property or in parking spaces that the Corporation may secure 
     within 1,000 feet of the Naval Reserve Pier property or 
     within 1,000 feet of the Coast Guard Marine Safety Office 
     Portland.

[[Page 16678]]

     Spaces for no less than thirty vehicles shall be located on 
     the Naval Reserve Pier property.
       (3) The lease described in paragraph (1) may be renewed, at 
     the sole option of the United States, for additional lease 
     terms.
       (4) The United States may not sublease the Leased Premises 
     to a third party or use the Leased Premises for purposes 
     other than fulfilling the missions of the United States Coast 
     Guard and for other mission related activities.
       (5) In the event that the United States Coast Guard ceases 
     to use the Leased Premises, the Administrator, in 
     consultation with the Commandant, may terminate the lease 
     with the Corporation.
       (c) Improvement of Leased Premises.--
       (1) The Naval Reserve Pier property shall not be conveyed 
     until the Corporation enters into an agreement with the 
     United States, subject to the Commandant's design 
     specifications, project's schedule, and final project 
     approval, to replace the bulkhead and pier which connects to, 
     and provides access from, the bulkhead to the floating docks, 
     at the Corporation's sole cost and expense, on the east side 
     of the Naval Reserve Pier Property within 30 months from the 
     date of conveyance. The agreement to improve the leased 
     premises shall be executed within 12 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (2) In addition to the improvements described in paragraph 
     (1), the Commandant is authorized to further improve the 
     Leased Premises during the lease term, at the United States' 
     sole cost and expense.
       (d) Utility Installation and Maintainance Obligations.--
       (1) The Naval Reserve Pier property shall not be conveyed 
     until the Corporation enters into an agreement with the 
     United States to allow the United States to operate and 
     maintain existing utility lines and related equipment, at the 
     United States' sole cost and expense. At such time as the 
     Corporation constructs its proposed public aquarium, the 
     Corporation shall replace existing utility lines and related 
     equipment and provide additional utility lines and equipment 
     capable of supporting a third 110-foot Coast Guard cutter, 
     with comparable, new, code compliant utility lines and 
     equipment at the Corporation's sole cost and expense, 
     maintain such utility lines and related equipment from an 
     agreed upon demarcation point, and make such utility lines 
     and equipment available for use by the United States, 
     provided that the United States pays for its use of utilities 
     at its sole cost and expense. The agreement concerning the 
     operation and maintenance of utility lines and equipment 
     shall be executed within 12 months after the date of 
     enactment of this Act.
       (2) The Naval Reserve Pier property shall not be conveyed 
     until the Corporation enters into an agreement with the 
     United States to maintain, at the Corporation's sole cost and 
     expense, the bulkhead and pier on the east side of the Naval 
     Reserve Pier property. The agreement concerning the 
     maintenance of the bulkhead and pier shall be executed within 
     12 months after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (3) The United States shall be required to maintain, at its 
     sole cost and expense, any Coast Guard active aid to 
     navigation located upon the Naval Reserve Pier Property.
       (e) Additional Rights.--The conveyance of the Naval Reserve 
     Pier property shall be made subject to conditions the 
     Administrator or the Commandant consider necessary to ensure 
     that--
       (1) the Corporation shall not interfere or allow 
     interference, in any manner, with use of the Leased Premises 
     by the United States; and
       (2) the Corporation shall not interfere or allow 
     interference, in any manner, with any aid to navigation nor 
     hinder activities required for the operation and maintenance 
     of any aid to navigation, without the express written 
     permission of the head of the agency responsible for 
     operating and maintaining the aid to navigation.
       (f) Remedies and Reversionary Interest.--The Naval Reserve 
     Pier property, at the option of the Administrator, shall 
     revert to the United States and be placed under the 
     administrative control of the Administrator, if, and only if, 
     the Corporation fails to abide by any of the terms of this 
     section or any agreement entered into under subsection (b), 
     (c), or (d) of this section.
       (g) Liability of the Parties.--The liability of the United 
     States and the Corporation for any injury, death, or damage 
     to or loss of property occurring on the leased property shall 
     be determined with reference to existing State or Federal 
     law, as appropriate, and any such liability may not be 
     modified or enlarged by this Act or any agreement of the 
     parties.
       (h) Expiration of Authority To Convey.--The authority to 
     convey the Naval Reserve Property under this section shall 
     expire 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act.
       (i) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Aid to navigation.--The term ``aid to navigation'' 
     means equipment used for navigational purposed, including but 
     not limited to, a light, antenna, sound signal, electronic 
     navigation equipment, cameras, sensors power source, or other 
     related equipment which are operated or maintained by the 
     United States.
       (2) Corporation.--The term ``Corporation'' means the Gulf 
     of Maine Aquarium Development Corporation, its successors and 
     assigns.

     SEC. 503. TRANSFER OF COAST GUARD STATION SCITUATE TO THE 
                   NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC 
                   ADMINISTRATION.

       (a) Authority to Transfer.--
       (1) In general.--The Administrator of the General Services 
     Administration (Administrator), in consultation with the 
     Commandant, United States Coast Guard, may transfer, without 
     consideration, administrative jurisdiction, custody and 
     control over the Federal property, known as Coast Guard 
     Station Scituate, to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
     Administration (NOAA). Since the Federal agency actions 
     necessary to effectuate the administrative transfer of the 
     property will further the objectives of the National 
     Environmental Policy Act of 1969, Public Law 91-190 (42 
     U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and the National Historic Preservation 
     Act of 1966, Public Law 89-665 (16 U.S.C. 470 et seq.), 
     procedures applicable to agency actions under these laws are 
     unnecessary and shall not be required. Similarly, the Federal 
     agency actions necessary to effectuate the transfer of the 
     property will not be subject to the Stewart B. McKinney 
     Homeless Assistance Act, Public Law 100-77 (42 U.S.C. 11301 
     et seq.).
       (2) Identification of property.--The Administrator, in 
     consultation with the Commandant, may identify, describe, and 
     determine the property to be transferred under this 
     subsection.
       (b) Terms of Transfer.--The transfer of the property shall 
     be made subject to any conditions and reservations the 
     Administrator and the Commandant consider necessary to ensure 
     that--
       (1) the transfer of the property to NOAA is contingent upon 
     the relocation of Coast Guard Station Scituate to a suitable 
     site;
       (2) there is reserved to the Coast Guard the right to 
     remove, relocate, or replace any aid to navigation located 
     upon, or install any aid to navigation upon, the property 
     transferred under this section as may be necessary for 
     navigational purposes; and
       (3) the Coast Guard shall have the right to enter the 
     property transferred under this section at any time, without 
     notice, for purposes of operating, maintaining, and 
     inspecting any aid to navigation. The transfer of the 
     property shall be made subject to the review and acceptance 
     of the property by NOAA.
       (c) Relocation of Station Scituate.--The Coast Guard may 
     lease land, including unimproved or vacant land, for a term 
     not to exceed 20 years, for the purpose of relocating Coast 
     Guard Station Scituate. The Coast Guard may improve the land 
     leased under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

     SEC. 504. HARBOR SAFETY COMMITTEES.

       (a) Study.--The Coast Guard shall study existing harbor 
     safety committees in the United States to identify--
       (1) strategies for gaining successful cooperation among the 
     various groups having an interest in the local port or 
     waterway;
       (2) organizational models that can be applied to new or 
     existing harbor safety committees or to prototype harbor 
     safety committees established under subsection (b);
       (3) technological assistance that will help harbor safety 
     committees overcome local impediments to safety, mobility, 
     environmental protection, and port security; and
       (4) recurring resources necessary to ensure the success of 
     harbor safety committees.
       (b) Prototype Committees.--The Coast Guard shall test the 
     feasibility of expanding the harbor safety committee concept 
     to small and medium-sized ports that are not generally served 
     by a harbor safety committee by establishing 1 or more 
     prototype harbor safety committees. In selecting a location 
     or locations for the establishment of a prototype harbor 
     safety committee, the Coast Guard shall--
       (1) consider the results of the study conducted under 
     subsection (a);
       (2) consider identified safety issues for a particular 
     port;
       (3) compare the potential benefits of establishing such a 
     committee with the burdens the establishment of such a 
     committee would impose on participating agencies and 
     organizations;
       (4) consider the anticipated level of support from 
     interested parties; and
       (5) take into account such other factors as may be 
     appropriate.
       (c) Effect on Existing Programs and State Law.--Nothing in 
     this section--
       (1) limits the scope or activities of harbor safety 
     committees in existence on the date of enactment of this Act;
       (2) precludes the establishment of new harbor safety 
     committees in locations not selected for the establishment of 
     a prototype committee under subsection (b); or
       (3) preempts State law.
       (d) Nonapplication of FACA.--The Federal Advisory Committee 
     Act (5 U.S.C. App.) does not apply to harbor safety 
     committees established under this section or any other 
     provision of law.
       (e) Harbor Safety Committee Defined.--In this section, the 
     term ``harbor safety committee'' means a local coordinating 
     body--
       (1) whose responsibilities include recommending actions to 
     improve the safety of a port or waterway; and
       (2) the membership of which includes representatives of 
     government agencies, maritime labor and industry 
     organizations, environmental groups, and public interest 
     groups.

     SEC. 505. EXTENSION OF INTERIM AUTHORITY FOR DRY BULK CARGO 
                   RESIDUE DISPOSAL.

       Section 415(b)(2) of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
     1998 is amended by striking ``2002.'' and inserting 
     ``2003.''.

     SEC. 506. VESSEL MIST COVE.

       (a) Construction Tonnage of M/V Mist Cove.--The M/V MIST 
     COVE (United States official number 1085817) is deemed to be 
     less than 100 gross tons, as measured by chapter 145 of title 
     46, United States Code, for purposes of applying the optional 
     regulatory measurement under section 14305 of that title.

[[Page 16679]]

       (b) Limitation on Application.--Subsection (a) shall not 
     apply on any date on which the length of the vessel exceeds 
     157 feet.

     SEC. 507. LIGHTHOUSE CONVEYANCE.

       Nothwithstanding any other provision of law, the conveyance 
     authorized by section 416(a)(1)(H) of Public Law 105-383 
     shall take place within 3 months after the date of enactment 
     of this Act. Notwithstanding the previous sentence, the 
     conveyance shall be subject to subsections (a)(2), (a)(3), 
     (b), and (c) of section 416 of Public Law 105-383.


                           Amendment No. 4022

(Purpose: To make changes and additions to the bill as reported by the 
                               Committee)

  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, Senators Snowe and Kerry have an 
amendment at the desk. I ask for its immediate consideration.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report.
  The legislative clerk read as follows:

       The Senator from Colorado [Mr. Campbell], for Ms. Snowe, 
     for herself and Mr. Kerry, proposes an amendment numbered 
     4022.

  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that reading of 
the amendment be dispensed with.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  (The text of the amendment is printed in today's Record under 
``Amendments Submitted.'')
  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the amendment be 
agreed to.
  The amendment (No. 4022) was agreed to.
  Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I am pleased that today the Senate is 
considering passage of S. 1089, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 
2000. I have also filed a manager's amendment which makes a series of 
necessary changes to the reported bill.
  The Coast Guard has been defined as ``a unique instrument of national 
security.'' But it is so much more than simply one-fifth of our Armed 
Forces. The Coast Guard's peacetime missions continue to expand as our 
nation asks more and more of these 36,000 men and women who serve our 
country. From its traditional roles of rescuing mariners in distress 
and protecting the marine environment, to more recent responsibilities 
including intercepting illegal drugs and alien migrants bound for U.S. 
shores, the Coast Guard has proven time and again why this agency is so 
valuable. Whether it is protecting mariners along the Maine coastline, 
managing inland waterway barge traffic on the Mississippi River, or 
enforcing fisheries conservation laws in the Bering Sea, the Coast 
Guard provides an indispensable service to our nation.
  Despite the fact that demands on the agency continue to grow, the 
Coast Guard, like the other four military services, faces critical 
readiness problems. In January, the Commandant of the Coast Guard was 
forced to cut back all routine, non-emergency operations by 10 percent. 
Unfortunately, on May 30, the Commandant announced a further reduction 
in missions which resulted in an overall 25 percent reduction in 
routine operations. This cut resulted in a 20 percent reduction in 
fisheries law enforcement patrols in the Gulf of Maine and forced two 
Portland-based Coast Guard cutters to decrease their at sea time by 
nearly 65 percent this year. Mr. President, this is simply 
unacceptable.
  Several weeks ago, the Military Construction Appropriations Bill for 
fiscal year 2001 was enacted. This bill contained $700 million in 
supplemental emergency appropriations for the Coast Guard. It is now 
incumbent upon the Administration to declare the existing readiness 
shortfalls and reduction in operations as an emergency condition which 
requires supplemental funding. Only then will the Coast Guard receive 
this critical funding and be able to resume normal operations 
protecting our coasts, our resources and our citizens.
  Mr. President, the bill before the Senate attempts to solve the Coast 
Guard's most immediate problems and provides future funding levels and 
other readiness improvements that would restore the Coast Guard's 
ability to continue operating at normal levels and prevent reductions 
in the future. S. 1089 authorizes the Coast Guard at $3.95 billion for 
fiscal year 2000, a $200 million increase over the fiscal year 2000 
appropriated level. It also authorizes $4.75 billion for fiscal year 
2001, an $800 million increase over the fiscal year 2000 appropriated 
level. In addition, the bill authorizes such funds as may be necessary 
in fiscal year 2002, depending on the Administration's request. It 
funds critical readiness areas, such as increases in military pay and 
housing allowances as well as enhanced recruiting programs. In 
addition, the bill authorizes several important procurement projects 
including the Integrated Deepwater System that will recapitalize the 
Coast Guard's fleet of aging ships and aircraft over the next ten 
years. Moreover, it authorizes the modernization of the Coast Guard's 
National Distress and Response system, our country's 1950's era 
maritime emergency communication system. S. 1089 also authorizes 
several management improvements requested by the Coast Guard to provide 
parity between Coast Guard military members and other Department of 
Defense service members.
  The bill authorizes end-of-year military strength and training levels 
that would address personnel shortages created by a Service that may 
have been too aggressive in its streamlining initiatives during the 
last decade. This bill authorizes funding to recapitalize the LORAN-C 
radio navigation system, which continues to be the primary navigation 
system used by many vessel and aircraft owners. It also authorizes the 
Coast Guard to operate excess Navy patrol craft in their mission to 
stop the flow of illegal drugs across the Caribbean Basin. Finally, S. 
1089 addresses various personnel management and marine safety issues to 
improve day-to-day operations of the Coast Guard.
  During the winter of 1999-2000, my home state of Maine experienced 
severe freezing on our rivers and bays. Without the work of Coast Guard 
icebreakers, which cleared waterways for heating oil barges, Maine 
could have suffered from a heating oil shortage. The work of these 
small cutters is critical to Maine and the entire northeast. As such, 
this bill requires the Coast Guard to conduct an in depth study of 
future domestic icebreaking requirements. It further requires the Coast 
Guard to operate and maintain their fleet of harbor icebreakers until 
the Congress has had an adequate period to evaluate the agency's 
recommendations.
  Mr. President, I believe the Coast Guard is up to the challenge of 
being the world's premier maritime organization despite the readiness 
problems it currently faces. It is my belief this bill provides the 
Coast Guard with the support it needs to meet that challenge.
  Let me take this opportunity to thank Senator McCain, the Chairman of 
the Commerce Committee, Senator Hollings, the ranking member on the 
Committee, Senator Kerry, the ranking member on the Oceans and 
Fisheries Subcommittee, and the other Committee members for their 
bipartisan support of the Coast Guard throughout this process. Mr. 
President, I urge the adoption of the manager's amendment and passage 
of S. 1089.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I rise in support of the Coast Guard 
Authorization Act of 2000. Charged with maintaining our national 
defense and the safety of our citizens, the Coast Guard is a multi-
mission agency. The Coast Guard is a branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, 
but it is also responsible for search and rescue services and maritime 
law enforcement throughout our nation's waters. Daily operations 
include drug interdiction, environmental protection, marine inspection, 
licensing, port safety and security, aids to navigation, waterways 
management, and boating safety.
  Recently the Coast Guard has been forced to reduce its services and 
cut its operations as a result of funding shortfalls. Earlier this 
year, the Coast Guard reduced its non-emergency operations first by 10 
percent and subsequently by 25 percent. Mr. President, the Coast Guard 
deserves better, and the bill before the Senate authorizes funding at 
levels which would restore the Coast Guard to normal operations levels 
and prevent reductions in the future. Additionally, the bill provides 
necessary funding for cutter and aircraft maintenance including the 
elimination of the existing spare parts

[[Page 16680]]

shortage. Simply put, S.1089 allows the Coast Guard to continue their 
critical work on behalf of our country.
  This bill provides the funding necessary to maintain the level of 
service and the quality of performance that the United States has come 
to expect from the Coast Guard. I commend the men and women of the 
Coast Guard for their honorable and courageous service to this country. 
The bill authorizes $3.95 billion in FY 2000, $4.75 billion in 2001, 
and such funds as may be necessary in FY 2002, depending on the 
administration's request.
  One critical goal of this bill is to provide parity with the 
Department of Defense on certain personnel matters. Mr. President, we 
should ensure that the men and women serving in the Coast Guard are not 
adversely effected because the Coast Guard does not fall under the DOD 
umbrella. This bill provides parity with DOD for military pay and 
housing allowance increases, Coast Guard membership on the USO Board of 
Governors, and compensation for isolated duty.
  In today's strong economy, maintaining high level service members is 
a serious challenge. Additional funding in this bill provides for 
recruiting and retention initiatives, to ensure that the Coast Guard 
retains the most qualified young Americans. In addition, it addresses 
the current shortage of qualified pilots and authorizes the Coast Guard 
to send more students to flight school.
  Mr. President, the Coast Guard is the lead federal agency in maritime 
drug interdiction. Therefore, they are often our nation's first line of 
defense in the war on drugs. This bill authorizes the Coast Guard to 
acquire and operate up to seven ex-Navy patrol boats, thereby expanding 
the Coast Guard's critical presence in the Caribbean, a major drug 
trafficking area. With the vast majority of the drugs smuggled into the 
United States on the water, the Coast Guard must remain well equipped 
to prevent drugs from reaching our schools and streets.
  Environmental protection, including oil-spill cleanup, is an 
invaluable service provided by the Coast Guard. Under current law, the 
Coast Guard has access to a permanent annual appropriation of $50 
million, distributed by the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund, to carry 
out emergency oil spill response needs. Over the past few years, the 
fund has spent an average of $42 to $50 million per year, without the 
occurrence of a major oil spill. Clearly these funds would not be 
adequate to respond to a large spill. For instance, a spill the size of 
the Exxon Valdez could easily deplete the annual appropriated funds in 
two to three weeks. This bill authorizes the Coast Guard to borrow up 
to an additional $100 million, per incident, from the Oil Spill 
Liability Trust Fund, for emergency spill responses. In such cases, it 
also requires the Coast Guard to notify Congress of amounts borrowed 
within thirty days and repay such amounts once payment is collected 
from the responsible party.
  This bill represents a thorough set of improvements which will make 
the Coast Guard more effective, improve the quality of life of its 
personnel, and facilitate their daily operations. I would like to 
express my gratitude and that of the full Commerce Committee to staff 
who worked on this bill, including Sloan Rappoport, Stephanie 
Bailenson, Rob Freeman, Emily Lindow, Brooke Sikora, Margaret Spring, 
Catherine Wannamaker, Jean Toal, Carl Bentzel, and Rick Kenin, a Coast 
Guard fellow whose knowledge of the Coast Guard was invaluable to the 
Committee because he was able to give a first hand account of how this 
bill will improve the lives of the men and women who so dutifully serve 
our nation. I would also like to thank Senators Snowe, Hollings, and 
Kerry for their bipartisan support of and hard work on this bill.
  Mr. KERRY. Mr. President, I rise today to support Senate passage of 
H.R. 820, as a amended by the text of S. 1089, the Coast Guard 
Authorization Act of 2000. I would like to thank Senator Snowe for her 
leadership on this very important legislation, of which I am proud to 
be a cosponsor. The legislation provides authorization of 
appropriations for fiscal years 2000 through 2002 for the U.S. Coast 
Guard, and is an important step to helping them further their 
responsibilities that are so important to all of us.
  It is widely recognized that the Coast Guard is critically 
underfunded. Pursuant to the administration's request, H.R. 820 
authorizes a substantial increase in the two largest Coast Guard 
appropriation accounts, operating expenses and acquisition, 
construction, and improvement of equipment and facilities. Operating 
funds are critically needed by the Coast Guard to protect public safety 
and the marine environment, enforce laws and treaties, ensure safety 
and compliance in our marine fisheries, maintain aids to navigation, 
prevent illegal drug trafficking and illegal alien migration, and 
preserve defense readiness.
  H.R. 820 will also provide an increase of approximately $130 million 
for the acquisition, construction, and improvement of equipment and 
facilities. These funds would be used to support vital long-term 
projects such as the Deepwater System, which the Coast Guard launched 
in 1998 to modernize its aging, and now inadequate, deepwater-capable 
cutters and aircraft. H.R. 820 specifically authorizes $42.3 million of 
the $9.6 billion required over the next twenty years for this 
Integrated Deepwater System.
  Increasing authorization levels for the Coast Guard is important, but 
we must continue to work together to ensure the increases in this bill 
become a reality for the agency in the coming years. The Coast Guard is 
facing a fiscal crisis as a result of a number of budgetary pressures. 
While demand for Coast Guard services continues to increase, there has 
been no parallel increase in the amounts available for the Coast Guard 
in our budget. We are only in the beginning stages of modernizing aging 
ships and aircraft through the Deepwater Project, and funding needs 
will increase in the coming years. At the same time, the number of jobs 
created by the new economy has severely affected Coast Guard 
recruitment, and it disturbs me to report that the Coast Guard is short 
nearly 1,000 uniformed personnel. Ever-increasing fuel and maintenance 
costs, along with these escalating recruiting costs to address 
personnel shortfalls, have placed increased pressure on Coast Guard 
operations.
  This year, these pressures forced the Coast Guard to reduce days at 
seas and flight hours for a number of its missions such as 
environmental protection, fisheries enforcement, and drug trafficking; 
meanwhile, the demands of these missions grow daily. More commercial 
and recreational vessels ply our waters today than ever before in our 
Nation's history. International trade has expanded greatly, resulting 
in increased maritime traffic through our Nation's ports and harbors. 
Tighter border patrols have forced drug traffickers to use the 
thousands of miles of our county's coastline as the means to introduce 
illegal drugs into our country. In a typical day the Coast Guard will 
save 14 lives, seize 209 pounds of marijuana and 170 pounds of cocaine, 
and save $2.5 million in property.
  The continued operation of all of the Coast Guard services is 
critical. The men and women of the Coast Guard do their utmost for us 
every day. We owe it to them to provide the resources necessary to 
carry out their missions effectively and safely. H.R. 820 is a good 
first step, and I would hope that my colleagues will join Senator Snowe 
and me in our continuing effort to rebuild our Nation's oldest sea 
service.
  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the bill be read 
the third time.
  The bill (S. 1089), as amended, was read the third time.
  Mr. CAMPBELL. I further ask unanimous consent H.R. 820 be discharged 
from the Commerce Committee and the Senate proceed to its 
consideration. Further, I ask all after the enacting clause be stricken 
and the text of S. 1089, as amended, be inserted in lieu thereof, the 
bill be read the third time and passed, with a motion to reconsider 
laid upon the table.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The bill (H.R. 820), as amended, was read the third time and passed.

[[Page 16681]]


  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent the Senate 
insist on its amendment, request a conference with the House, and the 
Chair be authorized to appoint conferees on the part of the Senate.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. The 
Presiding Officer (Mr. Voinovich) appointed Mr. McCain, Mr. Stevens, 
Ms. Snowe, Mr. Hollings, and Mr. Kerry of Massachusetts, conferees on 
the part of the Senate.
  Mr. CAMPBELL. Finally, I ask unanimous consent S. 1089 be placed back 
on the calendar.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  Mr. CAMPBELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent I speak for 5 
minutes as in morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Senator from Colorado is recognized.
  MR. CAMPBELL. I thank the Chair.
  (The remarks of Mr. Campbell pertaining to the introduction of S. 
2950 are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced 
Bills and Joint Resolutions.'')
  Mr. CAMPBELL. I thank the Chair and yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Vermont.
  Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to proceed as in 
morning business.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

                          ____________________