Hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee - Opening Statement of Sen. Thune, Markup on Executive Session: Coast Guard Authorization Act

Hearing

Good morning and welcome. Before we begin, I first want to thank my colleagues for their flexibility on the scheduling of this markup.

It is our hope that, by holding this executive session today, rather than next week as originally planned, the Majority Leader might be able to find some time in the Senate schedule during the next work period to debate and consider our first item on today's agenda -- The Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2017.

Sponsored by Senators Sullivan, Nelson, and myself, this bill reauthorizes the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 and ensures that they have the tools necessary to accomplish their 11 statutory missions.

From provisions that help with the Coast Guard's maritime drug and boarder enforcement missions, to a provision requiring the service to review the assets and personnel required to ensure the safety and security of the Artic missions, to improvements in recreational boating safety ---

This bill will ensure that the Coast Guard can continue to do what they do best -- ensure for the safety, security, and environmental stewardship of our nation's ports and waterways.

Also included in the manager's amendment I've filed with Senator Nelson are two measures that have passed this Committee before -- the NOAA Corp Reauthorization Act and the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act or VIDA. I am hopeful that these two measures, which have had bipartisan support in our Committee numerous times, can finally make it to the President's desk.

Even with this strong support, I understand some still have some concerns with VIDA. As we have said many times before, Senator Nelson and I stand ready to work with you, the sponsors, and stakeholders to address these concerns once and for all to ensure that our nation's fishermen and vessel owners have one consistent and attainable standard for ballast water and vessel discharge.

Also on today's agenda is Senator Lee's Reinforcing American-Made Products Act. While I know he had hoped that this could be considered at an early markup this Congress, I am glad to see that key stakeholder concerns have been addressed, and it should pass the Committee today.

We round out the agenda with four other maritime and fishery bills. Each has strong bipartisan support here in Committee and I am glad that we can consider them today. With that, I will turn to Senator Nelson for any opening remarks.

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