From his perch as chairman of the U.S. Senate Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard Subcommittee, U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., who is running for the Republican presidential nomination in 2016, brought out a bill focused on improving the Coast Guard on Thursday. Rubio was joined in his efforts by U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., and U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.
The “Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2015” keeps the Coast Guard funded at the current level of $8.7 billion for the next two years while giving it more authority to crack down on smuggling starts and funding for a polar icebreaker. The bill also reauthorizes the Federal Maritime Commission at current funding levels.
“The oceans that surround Florida provide a major source of economic activity and jobs, and the Coast Guard plays a key role in upholding the laws of the sea and protecting seafaring people,” said Rubio. “This legislation will enhance the Coast Guard’s ability to enforce vital maritime operations to counter illicit trafficking of weapons, narcotics and people. It’s important that Congress move forward in passing this reauthorization bill so that the Coast Guard can continue its important work.”
“The Coast Guard is on watch every day saving lives and stopping drug traffickers,” Nelson said on Thursday. “This bill will ensure that continues by helping the agency replace its aging fleet of cutters, some of which are over 40 years old.”
The U.S. House passed its version of the bill last month by voice vote. The measure was introduced by U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter Jr., R-Calif., and U.S. Rep. Dan Webster, R-Fla., was one of the four co-sponsors in the House.
Reach Kevin Derby at kderby@sunshinestatenews.com or follow him on Twitter: @KevinDerbySSN
