House panel votes to boost Coast Guard funding

A House Transportation and Infrastructure subcommittee approved a $5.35 billion Coast Guard authorization bill Thursday, which was $300 million more than President Bush's request for the Coast Guard and $845 million more than was appropriated for fiscal year 2001.

The bill (H.R. 1699) passed the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee by voice vote after little debate. The legislation includes about $3.68 billion for the operation and maintenance of the Coast Guard, and about $659 million for the acquisition, construction and improvement of equipment and facilities, of which $338 million would only be available for the Coast Guard's Integrated Deepwater System.

The additional $300 million, which was not part of the president's request, will cover operating expenses including maintenance, spare parts, training, and an increase in funds for drug interdiction operations, a subcommittee aide said.

Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J., said a full committee markup on the bill is expected next week. He said he hopes the bill will reach the House floor "as soon as possible."

No amendments were offered to the bill. Rep. Rob Simmons, R-Conn., said he had considered offering an amendment on the Coast Guard Museum at the Coast Guard Academy, which is located in his district, but he changed his mind, joking that LoBiondo, who was sitting behind him, would poke him in the back if he announced an amendment.

"I also think it's important to keep the bill clean, so I will set my own particular enthusiasms aside," Simmons said.

At a subcommittee hearing on the budget last week, Coast Guard Admiral James M. Loy called on the committee to pass the Bush's full budget request for the Coast Guard. "Aging assets, spare parts shortfalls, and an inexperienced workforce are all issues that continue to cause me concern," Loy testified.