Subcommittee on Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation

Frank LoBiondo, Ranking Republican

The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee oversees laws related to the Coast Guard, shipping and all aspects of maritime transportation.

Coast Guard Authorization: The Subcommittee completed legislation at the end of the 111th Congress to reauthorize the programs and activities of the Coast Guard. H.R. 3619, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010, was passed by both Houses of Congress and sent to the President for his signature. After the Republican controlled Congress passed authorization bills in the 107th, 108th and 109th Congresses, no Coast Guard authorization had been enacted since the 2007 Democratic takeover of the House and Senate. The delay in enacting this important legislation left the service unable to complete a comprehensive reorganization to meet new security and safety requirements.

Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill: The Coast Guard was the first federal agency to respond to the DEEPWATER HORIZON oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The service is also the Federal On-Scene Coordinator and has assumed the role of National Incident Commander for the spill. The Coast Guard has assumed these responsibilities despite the Obama Administration’s proposal to cut more than 1,100 uniformed personnel, 5 maritime safety and security teams and 5 helicopters from the service’s budget. Committee Republicans oppose these cuts and support giving the service the assets they need to do their jobs.

A bill passed by the House in July 2010 makes some positive changes to the U.S. oil spill liability, prevention and response regime, but the overall legislation misses the mark by increasing taxes on American energy and threatening American jobs. The bill endangers the ability of smaller U.S. oil producers to compete with large multi-national corporations like BP. As a result, many U.S. small and medium-sized businesses may be forced to close their doors.

Committee Republicans will continue to work to improve the oil spill legislation to protect jobs and the environment, and ensure that future deepwater drilling permits are not rubberstamped and adequate technologies, more thorough inspections, better oversight and better planning are required for future exploration and drilling activities. (more information)

Other Current Issues:

Securing Our Borders: Republicans introduced a bill to outlaw transporting an illegal alien on a vessel when the vessel operator knows the person intends to enter the country illegally. This bill improves the security of U.S. maritime borders, protects those who are preyed upon by smugglers, and punishes those who profit from human smuggling. This measure was enacted as part of H.R. 3619, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010.

Piracy Against U.S.-Flagged Vessels: In the first quarter of 2010 alone, there were over 65 reported instances of piracy on the high seas. Ranking Member LoBiondo and other Members have introduced legislation to legally protect mariners defending their vessels in pirate attacks. LoBiondo has also introduced legislation to authorize the Coast Guard to deploy a safety and security team for up to six months to patrol and defend international waterways from pirate attacks. This measure was enacted as part of H.R. 3619, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010.

Supporting Coast Guard Personnel: Ranking Members LoBiondo and Mica introduced legislation to ensure Coast Guard service members and their families have access to the same quality of housing and other benefits provided to those serving in the other U.S. Armed Forces. The measure was enacted as part of H.R. 3619, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2010.

Incidental Discharges: In 2005, the Federal courts brought recreational, small fishing and commercial vessels under a harsh and expensive EPA regulatory regime, newly requiring permits for minuscule discharges that occur as part of normal ship operation – such as deck wash and bilge water. This permit program was designed to apply to large ocean going vessels and facilities like oil refineries. In 2008, Congress exempted America’s recreational boaters from these onerous regulations, and exempted small fishing and commercial vessels from the requirements for two years. Legislation introduced by Ranking Member LoBiondo extends this waiver for small fishing and commercial vessels until 2013 while EPA develops a more appropriate regulatory structure to deal with minimal, largely non-toxic discharges from these smaller vessels. This exemption ensures that fishermen and small businesses will not be burdened with additional unnecessary regulations. A Senate bill, identical to the LoBiondo legislation, became law on July 30, 2010.