Thompson Aims to Improve Diversity, Port and Maritime Security Through Coast Guard Authorization
October 23, 2009 (WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security, issued the following statement upon the passage of H.R. 3619, The Coast Guard Authorization Act for FY2010 by a vote of 385 to 11:
“Passage of this vital legislation provides long-overdue resources to an agency that has been under-funded for many years. Authorizing approximately $10 billion for FY 2010 ensures that the Coast Guard has the resources it needs to live up to its motto—‘Always Ready.’ Not only does it provide $2 billion to the Coast Guard to secure our Nation's maritime environment in this post-9/11 world, this legislation strengthens our Nation's port and maritime security.”
Specifically, H.R. 3619 strengthens our Nation's port and maritime security by authorizing:
• 1,500 additional Service Members;
• more Maritime Security Response Teams;
• an expansion of Canine Detection Teams;
• a maritime biometrics verification system for individuals interdicted at sea;
• the Coast Guard Port Assistance Program; and
• a public awareness program for recreational boaters to report suspicious activities on the waters.
“I also am particularly pleased that the bill will also foster greater diversity at the Coast Guard Academy – one of the nation’s fine military academies,” added Chairman Thompson.
The bill includes a provision that Chairman Thompson authored with Transportation and Infrastructure Ports Subcommittee Chairman Cummings which would, for the first time, allow a Member of Congress to nominate candidates for the Coast Guard Academy. This is expected to bring about greater diversity with respect to geography, race, and gender.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION: Dena Graziano or Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978
