Congress ponies up for Coast Guard

Associated Press

WASHINGTON — The Coast Guard could begin upgrading one of the oldest fleets in the world, instead of settling for Navy leftovers, under a bill passed by the House Thursday.

The $5.4 billion spending authorization is $300 million over President Bush’s request in order to buy spare parts and improve maintenance and drug interdiction.

It passed by a vote of 411-3.

"They stand up for America every day. It is our time to stand up for them," said Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J., chairman of the House Transportation subcommittee on the Coast Guard.

A budget centerpiece is $338 million for the Coast Guard’s Deepwater Project to begin replacing aging vessels operating 50 miles and farther offshore. It authorizes future investments for the next 20 years.

The Coast Guard, which estimates it saves 10 lives through 109 search and rescue missions every day, deserves new vessels and aircraft, not "Navy hand-me-downs," said Rep. Howard Coble, R-N.C.

"What they do is legendary but oftentimes invisible," said Coble, a former Coast Guard reservist. "They are, indeed, angels of mercy."

Coast Guard officials say some of their nearly 600 boats and vessels are more than 50 years old, comprising one of the oldest fleets in the world.

The Coast Guard this year is operating under a $91 million budget deficit and has cut back sea and air patrols by 10 percent.

High energy costs and armed forces pay raises put the Coast Guard in the hole. Congress approved the raises but the Coast Guard is under the Transportation Department, not the Pentagon, so it was not allocated the extra money.

Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, said he would fight for the Coast Guard to recoup the funds through a $5.6 billion supplemental defense budget proposed by President Bush.

Coast Guard officials say search-and-rescue and other operations are not affected by the cuts. Instead, they reduced training missions and have delayed some maintenance programs.