Reauthorizin funding for the USCG Reserve and the Federal Maritime Commission
U.S.President Barack Obama, signed into law S. 2444, the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014. Earlier this month, this bipartisan legislation passed both Chambers of Congress by unanimous consent.
The law reauthorizes funding for the United States Coast Guard and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Federal Maritime Commission. It also provides policy direction and certainty for these entities and the entire maritime sector. As Ranking Member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA-03) worked closely with Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA-5) to write the bill; negotiated a bipartisan, bicameral compromise; and built support for passage through both chambers of Congress and with the Administration.
“Now that the Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act is the law of the land, we are reminded that even in this deeply divided Congress, good and important legislation can sometimes make it to the finish line,” Ranking Member Garamendi said. “I thank President Obama for signing this legislation. I also thank my colleague on the subcommittee, Chairman Duncan Hunter, as well as Chairman Bill Shuster, Ranking Member Nick Rahall, Senator Jay Rockefeller, and Senator John Thune, for working closely with me in an inclusive and bipartisan way. We didn’t craft a perfect law, but it’s a strong compromise that will strengthen our economy and improve our national security.“
“With this law, we are modernizing the Coast Guard and strengthening businesses that depend on maritime transport – which is almost every business. We’re also strengthening American shipbuilding, the backbone of our maritime sector,” Congressman Garamendi added. “And while it doesn’t take the issue far enough, with the strengthening of rules related to flagging of U.S. vessels, we’re also making progress on Make It In America policies to reinvigorate America’s manufacturing sector.“
The Howard Coble Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2014 (S. 2444) includes provisions that:
The legislation is named in honor of retiring Congressman and long-serving House Transportation Committee Member Howard Coble, the only current Member of Congress to have served in the Coast Guard and a strong supporter of the Service. |
Source: garamendi.house.gov