House subcommittee approves $8.1 billion in fiscal 2006 for Coast Guard

House subcommittee approves $8.1 billion in fiscal 2006 for Coast Guard    The U.S. House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Marine Transportation has approved legislation that authorizes a $8.1 billion budget for the Coast Guard in fiscal 2006.
   The legislation, “The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2005,” was unanimously approved by voice vote Wednesday. It was introduced by House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Don Young, R-Alaska.
   The legislation adds $212.9 million above President Bush’s fiscal 2006 budget proposal for the Coast Guard. The House subcommittee said its budget request for the agency fulfills three objectives identified by the Coast Guard:
   * Recapitalization of the Coast Guard’s operational assets.
   * Implementation of its maritime strategy for homeland security.
   * Enhance mission performance.