House Passes Bipartisan Coast Guard Legislation

Press Release

The House of Representatives today unanimously approved bipartisan legislation that supports and strengthens the United States Coast Guard -- one of our Nation's five armed services -- in its critical missions to save lives, safeguard our shores, and protect living marine resources.

The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 (H.R. 1987) authorizes Coast Guard and Federal Maritime Commission funding levels for two years, and includes provisions to improve Coast Guard mission effectiveness, help modernize the Service's aging vessels and other assets, and reform U.S. maritime transportation laws. The bill was introduced by Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Ranking Member John Garamendi (D-CA), Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bill Shuster (R-PA), and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Peter DeFazio (D-OR).

"Tonight's House passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015 is an important step in ensuring the men and women of the Coast Guard have the necessary resources needed to carry out their vital role in supporting maritime safety and security," said Chairman Hunter. "As the process moves forward, I look forward to working with the Senate to ensure a strong final product."

"America's Coast Guard and Merchant Marine play an indispensable role in our national security and economic prosperity," said Ranking Member Garamendi. "This bipartisan legislation supports their work and I applaud its passage. The bill would provide crucial budget stability, help the Coast Guard recapitalize its fleet and meet its mission goals, and promote the use of U.S. flag vessels and U.S. seafarers in the transport of Liquefied Natural Gas."

"The Coast Guard works tirelessly to improve the safety and security of our transportation system and our Nation's shores, and this bill gives them the support they need to carry out their critical responsibilities," said Chairman Shuster.

"For more than 100 years, the Coast Guard has kept our ports and waterways secure, protected our shores and communities, and responded to disasters or emergencies affecting our mariners, fishermen, and the general public," said Ranking Member DeFazio. "Congress must ensure that the Coast Guard has the resources and assets necessary to accomplish its mission, and this bipartisan bill attempts to meet that shared goal. I'm glad this bill passed the House and look forward to working with my colleagues to get it signed into law."

"I am glad the House passed H.R. 1987, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015, today," said U.S. Rep. Garret Graves (R-LA), a Member of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee. "The bill authorizes funding for the Coast Guard at levels that are reasonable, but would still allow the Coast Guard to recapitalize its aging cutters in a timely manner. The two ongoing cutter replacement projects are being built along the Gulf Coast, including one in Louisiana. A Louisiana company is also a finalist in the competition to build the next class of medium endurance cutters."