Frank LoBiondo

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3507) to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2002, and for other purposes.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Coast Guard Authorization Act of Fiscal Year 2002. Before I discuss this bill, however, I would like to thank the distinguished chairman of the full Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young); our ranking member, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar); and the ranking Democratic member of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown), and their staff for their help and cooperation on this legislation. H.R. 3507 was developed in a very strong bipartisan manner and deserves the support of all of the Members of this body. The primary purpose of H.R. 3507 is to authorize expenditures for the United States Coast Guard for fiscal year 2002. Title I of the bill authorizes approximately $5.9 billion for Coast Guard programs and operations for fiscal year 2002. The bill funds the Coast Guard at the levels requested by the President, with an additional $823 million in Coast Guard operating expenses. Of this amount, $623 million will provide additional Coast Guard homeland maritime security operating resources. These additional operating resources will also allow the Coast Guard to address chronic budget shortfalls. Many of the Coast Guard's most urgent needs are similar to those experienced by the Department of Defense, including spare parts shortages and personnel training deficits. Title I also provides for $717.8 million for Coast Guard acquisition, construction, and improvement funding. This funding level provides $58 million for 90 Coast Guard maritime safety and security boats as well as additional detection equipment to help the Coast Guard stop terrorist activities on our waterways and in our ports. Immediately following the events of September 11, the Coast Guard launched the largest homeland port security operation since World War II. As part of Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Enduring Freedom, the Coast Guard established port and coastline patrols with 55 cutters, 42 aircraft, and hundreds of small boats. Over 2,800 Coast Guard reservists were called to active duty to support maritime homeland security operations in 350 of our Nation's ports. Port security units patrol the ports of New York, New Jersey, Boston, Seattle, and Long Beach. The Coast Guard enforced over 118 maritime security zones around Navy vessels, cruise ships, nuclear power plants and other facilities. The Coast Guard now requires a 96-hour advance notice for all ships entering U.S. ports. The new Sea Marshall program is current under way in the ports of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego. I want to commend the Coast Guard for their rapid response to the September 11 attacks on our Nation. Fortunately, we have already provided the Coast Guard with a broad legal authorities to implement the necessary security measures in U.S. ports. However, without substantial additional Coast Guard resources, and I want to repeat that, without substantial additional Coast Guard resources, we are not going to be able to significantly enhance maritime security as we should. Finally, section 404 of this bill requires that a vessel engaged in towing assistance or towing escort must be a vessel of the United States and establishes a civil penalty for violation of the provision. The United States Navy has expressed concern that section 404 could hamper the ability of the Navy to render timely towing and salvage assistance to Navy vessels on a worldwide basis. I want to clarify that the restrictions in section 404 do not apply to U.S. Naval operations. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to commend the men and women of the Coast Guard for the exceptional services that they provide to our Nation on an ongoing basis. America benefits from a strong Coast Guard that is equipped to stop terrorists, drug smugglers, support the country's defense, and respond to national emergencies. We must now act to put the Coast Guard on sound financial footing to be ready to respond to our increased homeland security demands and other critical duties that the Coast Guard carries out on a daily basis. The House has already overwhelmingly passed one authorization bill this year, while the other body has yet to act. We would like to urge our friends across the Capitol to pass this authorization bill and support the Coast Guard in the manner which they deserve. I urge all Members to support that bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor). I know the gentleman has been a strong supporter of the Coast Guard, and very involved in these issues. I can tell the gentleman that I understand the gentleman's concerns. We thought that which had gone through the process, a process that has integrity, along with the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Brown), and there might have been some miscommunication. I thought the gentleman's office had signed off on some of this as well. I will try to work as closely in the future as is humanly possible.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Connecticut and say that the gentleman has done an exceptional job on raising the level of awareness on this particular issue. The gentleman has been to me certainly if not a dozen times, two dozen times. Unfortunately, the events of September 11 have reorganized our priorities with the Coast Guard to a degree. It is a worthwhile effort, and I would like to work with the gentleman to explore what possibilities that we can enter into to see that this moves along.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of a fallen New Jersey State Trooper, a man who served our State proudly. Twenty years ago Friday, Trooper Philip Lamonaco was shot and killed by two self- avowed revolutionaries during a traffic stop on a stretch of highway in Warren County. Trooper Lamonaco, who was named ``Trooper of the Year'' in 1979, left behind a wife and three children. His murder sparked a dogged manhunt for his killers, and they were tracked down and jailed. Philip Lamonaco was the kind of law enforcement professional that inspires others to take up the fight to protect our communities. Since Philip's murder, his wife Donna, who I have met at several functions, has worked tirelessly as an advocate for police and their families. And earlier this year, Trooper Lamonaco's son Michael joined the New Jersey State Police, following the example of his father. To the Lamonaco family, his friends and colleagues, I extend my condolences on this sad anniversary, and I extend the thanks of the people of New Jersey for his service. Philip Lamonaco will never be forgotten.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on a sad anniversary for a family in southern New Jersey. On November 25, 1991, 11-year-old Mark Himebaugh left his Middle Township, New Jersey, home to watch firefighters respond to a brushfire. He was returning as his mom was leaving to run an errand. His mother told him that she would be right back, and Mark replied, ``Okay, Mom.'' Those would be the last words anyone would hear from Mark. Now, 10 years later, Mark sadly is still missing. This heartbreaking story is just one of so many in our Nation where FBI statistics show that more than 876,000 adults and children were reported as missing during the year 2000. The Congressional Caucus on Missing and Exploited Children, of which I am a member, is working to raise the profile of this issue. The best way to help find kids like Mark is to look at the photographs of missing children posted at many venues around the Nation and call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's toll- free number at 1-800-THE-LOST. At their Web site, www.missingkids.org, you can see pictures of Mark. Please do your part to help out.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder). (Mr. SOUDER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons).

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. My amendment provides for full funding of the President's antiterrorism emergency supplemental spending request of $203 million for the Coast Guard to maintain its aggressive response to terrorist threats to our Nation's ports and waterways. I want to thank and commend Chairman Young for his very strong commitment and support to the Coast Guard over the years. Chairman Young has understood the needs of the Coast Guard, has attempted to work with us, and I hope that in the future we will be able to continue that. But the reality, Mr. Chairman, is that since September 11, the Coast Guard has increased its counterterrorism operations using existing personnel, vessels and aircraft, augmented by Reserves and auxiliary personnel. Without immediate additional resources from Congress, this posture is unsustainable. For this reason, I am shocked that the supplemental funding bill that we are considering today cuts nearly one-third of the President's request. Mr. Chairman, this is not my request. This is not a request of some other body or entity. This is a request of the President of the United States. The request for this Coast Guard supplemental funding is absolutely essential. The failure to include these funds for Coast Guard operations means that the President must choose between ensuring a safe counterterrorism posture for our ports and waterways and providing an adequate level of drug interdiction and other maritime law enforcement operations. This is an unacceptable choice. Earlier this year, the House voted 411-3 in support of the authorization bill that funded the President's request for the fiscal year 2002 to the tune of $5.4 billion. Mr. Chairman, at that time, almost every Member of Congress stood up, wanting to voice their support to vote for the Coast Guard, to make strong statements about the tremendous job that the Coast Guard has been doing, and we thought we were finally on a roll with people understanding that the Coast Guard has been doing an exceptional job. The President requested $203 million for the increased efforts of the Coast Guard in this supplemental. The amendment that I will offer would restore approximately $60 million in funding due to the emergency status that the Coast Guard has been operating under since September 11. For the past several years, the Coast Guard has suffered from significant funding shortfalls. During fiscal years 2000 and 2001, the Coast Guard was forced to reduce law enforcement operations by up to 30 percent due to insufficient funds. Without the President's request for supplemental funding, the Coast Guard will be forced to reduce operations immediately by 15 percent. I do not think that is acceptable to any of us, Mr. Chairman. To put this in real terms, cutting this funding would keep a number of cutters, helicopters, aircraft and patrol boats sitting idle for up to 6 months, unable to safeguard our ports, unable to save lives, unable to respond adequately to threats to America. Mr. Chairman, this means that the very successful program of drug interdiction that the Coast Guard has embarked upon would be forced to be set aside so that the Coast Guard could use its scarce assets to protect our ports. This is not a choice they should be forced to make. Congress acted to safeguard our airways recently. We listened to the debate about the economic impact that aviation has on our Nation's GNP. We must now act to safeguard our ports and waterways. Maritime industries contribute over $740 billion to the gross domestic product annually, and we cannot allow the guardian of this economic engine to go underfunded. We have thousands of containers that come into our ports. The Coast Guard is required to implement a program that they have been grossly underfunded to implement. It is time to recognize that. I want to commend the Coast Guard for their enormous efforts to safeguard the American people in the wake of the attacks of September 11. All U.S. ports remain open to commerce with an increased security, and currently the Coast Guard enforces 110 maritime security zones. I was honored to again visit Coast Guard Group Air Station Atlantic City yesterday and to hear their comments about their increased missions. Mr. Chairman, I looked into the eyes of the young men and women who have been so motivated, so well trained, so ready for duty, I listened to how they have stepped forward in this time of need of their Nation, willing to put themselves in harm's way, no different than men and women who have traveled to Afghanistan with our Special Forces or Marines. I listened to how the Coast Guard has been asked to board ships to check manifests of cargo and crew to match up from foreign nations; a boarding party that does not know what they are running into, a boarding party that does not know what they are going to find. Yet these young men and women are willing to do it time and time again. How can we look into their eyes and tell them that their efforts are not recognized by resources necessary to keep up this mission? I was impressed by their can-do spirit and by their willingness to serve their country and do whatever is necessary. I am disappointed that this House is not providing the resources they need. Without increasing the available resources, the Coast Guard simply will be unable to protect these vessels and our port facilities, despite the tremendous efforts of these young Americans. The Commandant of the Coast Guard, Admiral Loy, said the following about the budget concerns of the service and I am quoting: ``Post- September 11, our national interests require that all Coast Guard resources be operated at their historical level. The President's supplemental request of $203 million for the Coast Guard reflects the minimum funding required to meet these national security obligations.'' This is the gentleman that we have entrusted to lead our Coast Guard, to head our Coast Guard, who has made this statement. The $203 million in Coast Guard supplemental funding is imperative to ensure we are adequately protecting our 95,000 miles of waterways and coastlines. We must take a shared responsibility to assure that our ports and waterways are protected from terrorism and other security threats. The Coast Guard is doing their best to preserve our Nation, and they deserve nothing less than our best to make sure that they can do their job. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) for his comments and his willingness to recognize that the Coast Guard desperately needs additional funding, if I heard the gentleman correctly. I would also like to apologize for any breach in communications that we obviously have experienced in the translation of the Coast Guard's needs to what the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) has understood them to be, and I express my willingness on behalf of our committee to work with the gentleman to try to eliminate those kinds of communication gaps in the future. I think we have all been able to come together, and this has been productive, in acknowledging that the Coast Guard is doing a tremendous job, and they do desperately need additional supplemental funds to keep going. So, with that, Mr. Chairman, I once again thank the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) for his acknowledgment of the situation.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to close. Madam Speaker, I would like to say that it was an honor for me to serve with Senator Lautenberg. I learned a great deal from the Senator about effective and positive public service. He was someone that led by example, and his leadership and vision will have a lasting impact on our aviation security. This indeed is a fitting tribute to a great leader that I am very proud to call my friend. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2776, to designate buildings 315, 318, and 319 located at the William J. Hughes FAA Technical Center as the Frank R. Lautenberg Aviation Security Complex. During his stellar 18-year career in the United States Senate, Frank Lautenberg was a strong voice for the improvement of aviation security in our Nation, a topic that has sadly gained more attention in the weeks following September 11. Twice before, he took a central and key role in examining the causes of aviation disasters. In 1988, after the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103, he chaired the first congressional hearings looking into the disaster and was one of only four congressional Members to serve on President George H.W. Bush's Presidential Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism. Eight years later, in response to the TWA 800 disaster, Senator Lautenberg supported a commission investigation into the incident and, along with his colleagues, sponsored legislation that appropriated more than $400 million for the acquisition of new explosive detection devices and other aviation security improvements. The complex referred to in my legislation is located at the FAA Technical Center in Egg Harbor Township, in my district. The tech center is our Nation's top research and development facility where nearly every advance in aircraft safety and security is born and tested by some of the most remarkable and dedicated professionals in the field. The work they are doing is tremendously important, and I salute them for their efforts. In fact, I introduced this bill on the suggestion of the tech center employees and their leadership, and I have been happy to have their support on this issue as I have worked with House leadership to bring this bill to a vote today. The dedication of the government and private sector employees working today at the tech center mirrors the longtime dedication of Senator Lautenberg to the cause of aviation safety. It is our shared goal that Congress continue to do everything possible to find the right solutions that will ensure the traveling public will be able to fly safely and securely. Sadly, yesterday's tragedy in New York City reminds us of the constant need for new and better innovations in aircraft safety technology. I also hope that the naming of this facility will not only honor the Senator but will also serve as a reminder of the vigilance he displayed in working to protect the traveling public and the vigilance needed to spur new advances. I would like to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica), and all my cosponsors of the bill, the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Menendez), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Saxton), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne), the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Rothman), for their support. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith).

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2776) to designate buildings 315, 318, and 319 located at the Federal Aviation Administration's William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, New Jersey, as the ``Frank R. Lautenberg Aviation Security Complex''.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 2776.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise with so many of my colleagues today in strong support of this House Resolution to condemn the terrorist attacks on America. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to the thousands of Americans who lost friends and family during yesterday's terrorist attacks. We grieve today for our nation's loss, but we will never lose America's resolve to remain a beacon of justice and freedom in a world where these values are under constant threat. These attacks claimed victims from all across the Nation and killed many from my State of New Jersey. One victim was Victor Saracini, a United Airlines pilot and native of Atlantic City, New Jersey, who died when his hijacked plane hit the World Trade Center. Victor is remembered by his family and friends from South Jersey as a brave man who would have never submitted to the will of the hijackers, and I am sure he did everything possible to protect the passengers and the plane and to thwart the hijackers. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, to his wife and to their two young daughters. There are, sadly, too many other names of victims that will come out in the days to come and will touch people in every corner of the Nation. I know that Congress joins with me today to mourn their loss and to send our condolences to their families. Even under these horrible circumstances, heroes arose. I want to commend the emergency personnel from New York and Washington D.C., who immediately mobilized to lend aid and assistance to the people of New York City and to those working in the Pentagon. I would also like to praise the local residents of southern New Jersey who, after hearing of the attacks, left their homes and workplaces and joined the emergency service personnel who traveled north to assist those in New York who needed the help. Finally, I would like to recognize the stalwart efforts of the Coast Guard personnel who have deployed up and down the East Coast to provide security for our bridges, tunnels, and ports and to render assistance in the finest tradition of the Coast Guard service. Mr. Speaker, terrorism has attacked America and declared war on our nation. We must now act to punish both the terrorists who planned and carried out these dastardly acts, as well as those organizations and states who harbor and encourage this. I urge all of my colleagues to strongly support this resolution.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing legislation to designate Buildings 315, 318 and 319 located at the Federal Aviation Administration's William J. Hughes Technical Center in my district as the ``Frank R. Lautenberg Aviation Security Complex.'' As Chairman of the Senate Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, Senator Lautenberg worked to secure funding to provide for the creation and building of this complex. Due to his tireless efforts on this and other aviation security matters, and for his distinguished service in the Senate, it is fitting to name the complex after Senator Lautenberg. Throughout his career, Senator Lautenberg was acutely aware of the need for greater vigilance and development of ever more sophisticated and effective technologies and methodologies to counter terrorist threats directed at civil aviation. Senator Lautenberg was at the forefront of the effort to provide the resources necessary for the United States to develop the policies, procedures and equipment needed to ensure the safety of the American flying public. Following the tragic December 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland that resulted in the loss of over 270 lives, Senator Lautenberg called for and chaired the first Congressional hearings into this tragedy and initiated efforts to assist the families of the victims. Senator Lautenberg sponsored the Senate Resolution calling for appointment of a special commission to perform ``a comprehensive study and appraisal of practices and policy options with respect to preventing terrorist acts involving aviation security'' and President Bush responded with the establishment of the ``President's Commission on Aviation Security and Terrorism.'' Senator Lautenberg was named to serve as one of only four Congressional members of the Commission. Upon completion of the Commission's work, Senator Lautenberg sponsored the Aviation Security Improvement Act of 1990 (PL 101-604), which provided the basis and authority for much of the FAA's current aviation security program. In the wake of concerns over the crash of TWA flight 800 in 1996, Senator Lautenberg supported President Clinton's establishment of the ``White House Commission on Aviation and Security.'' This commission went on to develop an action plan to deploy new high technology machines to detect the most sophisticated explosives, and offered recommendations to further enhance aviation security. In direct response to that report, Senator Lautenberg joined with his colleagues in sponsoring the Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 and the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act of 1997 which appropriated more than $400 million for acquisition of new explosives detection technology and other aviation security improvements. I thank my colleagues in the New Jersey delegation--Robert Menendez, Jim Saxton, Rush Holt, Frank Pallone, Donald Payne, Steve Rothman and William Pascrell--for cosponsoring this bill, and urge its passage.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing, along with my colleague Congressman Capuano and other Members of the Empowered Communities Caucus, the Round II Empowerment Zone/Enterprise Community (EZ/EC) Flexibility Act of 2001, to provide funding authority and correct some inequities and inconsistencies with the Round II program. In 1999, 15 Round II urban and 5 rural empowerment zones were awarded to communities which designed the best strategic plans for comprehensive revitalization. The Empowerment Zone program is a 10 year project that targets federal grants to distressed urban and rural communities for community and economic development and provides tax and regulatory relief to attract or retain businesses. Cumberland County, located in my Congressional District, is one of the 15 urban sites nationwide to win this designation, which is expected to create more than 6,000 new jobs over 10 years. Unfortunately, Cumberland County has only received approximately $8.5 million of the $30 million expected over the past 3 years. Round II empowerment zones did not receive the same Title XX block grant mandatory spending authority as the Round I zones did in 1997 and have to rely on the discretionary appropriations process each year. Even though the President requested full funding in FY02 ($150 million for the EZ program) the House Appropriations Committee did not include any funding for urban zones for the next fiscal year. The legislation I am introducing today provides general funding authorization for the Round II EZ/ECs by authorizing the Secretary of HUD to make grant awards totaling $100,000,000 to each of the 15 Round II urban empowerment zones and the Secretary of Agriculture to make grant awards totaling $40,000,000 to each of the Round II rural empowerment zones and grant awards totaling $3,000,000 to each of 20 rural enterprise communities. This designation runs until 2009, and our zones must receive assurance that Congress will support continued funding, otherwise, they cannot be expected to operate and achieve long term capital plans or leverage private sector commitments to major infrastructure projects. This legislation also includes clarification of the law which allows EZ/ECs to apply for community renewal status without the risk of losing already appropriated Federal funds. We have included language to broaden the definition of ``economic development'', which is the essence of the Zone's strategic plan, and have granted specific authorization for grants to be used as matching funds for other relevant federal grant programs, all in an effort to offer the EZ/EC program maximum flexibility. For every federal EZ dollar obligated, there are ten more dollars from the private sector committed to economic development in Cumberland County. Our communities have already invested considerable resources in securing the Round II EZ/EC designations. Congress has a responsibility to carry out its promise to these distressed communities by making federal funding and tax incentives available to ensure new jobs, revitalize neighborhoods and spur economic growth over the next decade. It is vital that we secure full funding for Round II Empowerment zones and Enterprise communities, so they may continue and complete their federally approved economic development plans. I urge the House to adopt the legislation before us today.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I offer en bloc amendments.

Mr. LoBIONDO. No, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, my amendment provides increased funds for Coast Guard operations and acquisitions in accordance with the levels allocated in the fiscal year 2002 budget resolutions passed by the House and the Senate. Earlier this year our committee worked with the Committee on the Budget to ensure that the function 400 allocation in the fiscal year 2002 budget resolution not only accommodated the TEA-21 and the AIR-21 funding guarantees, but also provided approximately $5.3 billion for the Coast Guard's appropriated programs. This represents an increase of $250 million over the President's budget. Unfortunately, the 302(b) allocations approved by the Committee on Appropriations failed to include funds that would address critical Coast Guard needs. H.R. 1699, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2001, passed the House on June 7 by a vote of 411-3. H.R. 1699 conformed to the Coast Guard funding levels in the budget resolution. The amounts authorized by H.R. 1699 would allow the Coast Guard to correct immediate budget shortfalls. Many of the Coast Guard's most urgent needs are similar to those experienced by the Department of Defense, including spare parts shortages and personnel training deficits. The funding increase contained in the budget resolution and H.R. 1699 addresses those needs, and also increases the amounts available for Coast Guard drug interdiction. H.R. 1699 also provides for $338 million for the Coast Guard's vital Deepwater asset modernization program. I strongly believe that the Integrated Deepwater system is the most economical and effective way for the Coast Guard to provide future generations of Americans with lifesaving services. Mr. Chairman, I want to take this opportunity to commend the men and women of the Coast Guard for their exceptional services that they provide to our Nation. All Americans benefit from a strong Coast Guard that is equipped to stop drug smugglers, support the country's defense and respond to national emergencies. During the fiscal year 2000 and 2001, the Coast Guard has been forced to reduce, let me repeat that, they have been forced to reduce illegal drug interdiction and other law enforcement operations by up to 30 percent. Yes, that is up to 30 percent, due to insufficient funds. Without additional operational funding for the fiscal year 2002, the Coast Guard will be forced to cut drug interdiction by 20 percent, including eliminating 5 cutters, 19 aircraft and 520 positions. Mr. Chairman, without the funding increase provided in my amendment, the Coast Guard's operating budget during the next fiscal year will again be inadequate to respond to critical missions. The law enforcement emergency concerning migrant interdiction or a surge in drug smuggling would severely degrade other Coast Guard law enforcement activities. None of us want drug smugglers to be given open access to the United States, but that is exactly what could happen if we are not careful with these funding levels. Should my amendment not be accepted today, I would urge the House and the Senate conferees on H.R. 2299 to fund the Coast Guard at a level consistent with the budget resolution and the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2001. I would respectfully request that the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young) and the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) work toward that end. I understand the Senate Appropriation Committee's Transportation 302(b) allocation is about $690 million above the House allocation. I strongly believe that the U.S. Coast Guard is the best place to allocate a portion of this funding. Mr. Chairman, I urge the House to support my amendment and allow the Coast Guard to be funded at the levels necessary to respond to the operational emergencies. Point of Order

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, Today I am introducing legislation which would make permanent the long-standing moratorium on leasing for the exploration or extraction of oil or gas on the Outer Continental Shelf near the New Jersey coast. I understand the need to find new energy sources, but I fear that future price spikes may cause some officials to make rash decisions based on political expediency instead of sound policy. If a permanent moratorium is not enacted, the New Jersey coastline will forever be in danger of oil development. In fact, recent articles in the Newark Star-Ledger and the Atlantic City Press outline a proposed Interior Department plan to study the effects of resuming offshore drilling on the Atlantic coast from Canada to North Carolina. Obviously, such a study would be the first step to the resumption of oil and gas leasing. The Exxon Valdez oil spill is still far too fresh in my mind, and in the minds of my constituents. We remember the television footage of oil-stained beaches and dying plants and animals. None of us ever wants to see this happen in New Jersey. A large oil spill on our coastline would have a devastating effect on the health and economy of my state. The tourism and fishing industries provide thousands of jobs in New Jersey, and they would all be thrown into jeopardy if an accident were to occur. I thank my colleagues, Representatives Jim Saxton, Marge Roukema, Rodney Frelinghuysen, Mike Ferguson and Chris Smith for agreeing to cosponsor this important bill, and I urge Congress to enact my legislation as quickly as possible.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from Wisconsin for his continuing interest on this very important issue. The sinking of the Linda E. was a terrible tragedy. We will be pleased to work with the gentleman to explore his suggestion that collision- avoidance radar be placed on barges operating in the Great Lakes and to look at the issue of Great Lakes maritime safety and response to maritime accidents in general.

Mr. LoBIONDO

Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to make technical corrections in the engrossment of the bill, H.R. 1699, including corrections in spelling, punctuation, section number and cross-referencing.