Senator Coons Applauds Passage of The Coast Guard Reauthorization

Statement

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Appropriations Committee, applauded Senate passage of S.140, the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018. The bill authorizes funding for the U.S. Coast Guard for fiscal years 2018 and 2019 and includes legislation that Senator Coons co-sponsored to promote maritime commerce -- the Commercial Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA). Vessels take on and discharge water to provide stability, and VIDA will lead to uniform standards for these discharges.

"I am pleased that the Senate authorized strong funding levels for the Coast Guard to support its dedicated members and their families in carrying out their missions," said Sen. Coons. "Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay and the broader Fifth Coast Guard District play a critical role in advancing our economic and national security by protecting Delaware's coastline and marine life, and supporting maritime commerce on our waterways and in the Port of Wilmington. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue working to secure strong funding for the Coast Guard this year and in years ahead. I also applaud Senators Thune, Carper, and Nelson for working hard to reach an agreement that will provide a clear regulatory framework for ballast water discharge standards that protect our environment."

S.140 authorizes more than $10 billion each year for the Coast Guard in fiscal years 2018 and 2019, and will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senator Coons secured $10.19 billion for the Coast Guard in the fiscal year 2019 Homeland Security appropriations bill which passed the Senate Appropriations Committee earlier this year with bipartisan support.

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