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The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday voted to expand the Coast Guard's law enforcement authority for carrying firearms and making arrests.

The bill (H.R. 4251) aims to enhance the Coast Guard's ability to oversee marine safety and enforce port security regulations. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed the bill by voice vote.

"Following the events of September 11th, the Coast Guard has been charged with increased responsibilities for securing the safety of America's ports," said Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J., chairman of the Coast Guard subcommittee and author of the legislation. "These port security missions often require the Coast Guard to enforce federal regulations on land in addition to the service's traditional missions on U.S. waters."

The bill would authorize Coast Guard officers to carry firearms while at a waterfront facility, make arrests for felony offenses and seize property. It also gives state and local law enforcement officers the authority to make arrests for individuals violating federal security zones. It also grants the Coast Guard authority to refuse or revoke clearance of any vessel suspected to be in violation of port security regulations, among other provisions.

Before passing the bill, the committee approved two amendments by voice vote. Rep. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., offered a "buy America" amendment mandating that the Coast Guard may not purchase response vessels from foreign companies unless the engine and most of its components are built in the United States.

Ranking Democrat Rep. James Oberstar of Minnesota offered an en bloc amendment to extend the Coast Guard's authority to regulate non-hazardous and non-chemical materials swept overboard off the decks of boats. Current authority to inspect vessels carrying coal and limestone in the Great Lakes area expires Sept. 30. Oberstar's amendment would also require the Coast Guard to have clean water for drinking and washing aboard its surface vessels for crew and passengers.

COMMENTS

• Congratulations to the Coast Guard! Now they can search ships with magazines in their pistols, unlike in the past, when they carried handguns that weren't loaded! Actually, with their new powers, they can just take over the jobs of ICE and CBP, thereby streamlining government. After all, they are now examining manifests & boarding vessels (a Customs job for 214 years). Too bad if your boat is sinking, but the new priority of the Coast Guard is homeland security. Hopefully Congress will provide more personnel & resources, so increased law enforcement won't negatively impact other Coast Guard responsibilities, such as search & rescue, pollution response, aids to navigation, etc. GovExec.com reader Posted May 13, 2004 11:58 AM
• Would this make the Coast Guard an offical part of the Bush SS? tax payer Posted May 13, 2004 6:44 AM