    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [February 25, 2000]
    [Page 321]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Report of the Interagency Task Force on the
    United States Coast Guard Roles and Missions
    February 25, 2000

        I am pleased to receive the report of the Interagency Task Force on
    the U.S. Coast Guard Roles and Missions. I extend my sincere
    appreciation to Chairman Mortimer Downey
    and the 15 other members who provided advice as to the appropriate
    future roles and missions for our Coast Guard. I also would like to
    commend the leadership of Secretary Rodney Slater and the Department of Transportation for their vision and
    vigilance in maintaining safety--my administration's highest
    transportation priority.
        As we have witnessed time and again, and most recently with the
    tragic loss of Alaska Air Flight 261, the Coast Guard provides America
    with a maritime military and a multimission presence that is flexible
    and adaptable.
        The Coast Guard will continue to safeguard America's maritime safety
    and security. I look forward to working with the Congress to ensure that
    the world's best Coast Guard remains as its motto proclaims: Semper
    Paratus--Always Ready.