[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 8 (Monday, February 28, 2000)]
[Pages 389-390]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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.

[[Page 390]]