House subcommittee questions proposed funding level for Coast Guard

House subcommittee questions proposed funding level for Coast Guard    The House Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee questioned the adequacy of the Bush administration’s proposed funding for the Coast Guard in fiscal year 2004.
   “This subcommittee will keep a close eye upon the execution of (the Coast Guard Reauthorization) Act to ensure adequate funding is made available to keep our ports and waterways secure, and our maritime ‘first responders’ ready to meet the challenges we face today and in the future,” said subcommittee chairman Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J., at a May 22 hearing.
   LoBiondo also expressed concern about insufficient funding for the agency’s so-called Deepwater Capability Replacement Project, which promises to revamp the Coast Guard’s aging vessel fleet.
   “From the start, Deepwater has been under-funded, jeopardizing on-time delivery of important assets,” LoBiondo said. “I strongly endorse increasing funding to bring the procurement schedule back on track.”
   The Bush administration’s proposal authorizes $4.8 billion for Coast Guard operating expenses, $797 million for capital acquisitions, and $1.02 billion for retired pay for fiscal year 2004. The proposal also authorizes an end-of-year strength of 45,500 active duty personnel.
   “Every provision of the proposed authorization bill reflects a careful balance between our safety and security missions,” said Adm. Thomas H. Collins, commandant for the Coast Guard.