Thompson Steers Coast Guard ROTC Program Toward Minority Outreach
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Congressman Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), the Ranking Member of the Committee on Homeland Security, won a victory today for minority students around the country. Bringing them one step closer to receiving Coast Guard reserve and junior reserve officer training programs (ROTC) at schools with large minority populations.
Congressman Thompson’s amendment to the SAFE Port Act (H.R. 4954) establishes a pilot ROTC program at each of the nine Coast Guard Districts, one of which will be located at a Historically Black College or University, a Hispanic Serving Institution, and a high school with a significant enrollment of minority students.
“The U.S. Coast Guard is a tremendous organization, often praised for their heroic efforts in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Expanding their recruitment of minority officer candidates will only enhance their capabilities,” said Rep. Thompson.
“Today’s victory further reinforces the strong ties that link the Coast Guard and the Gulf Coast by implementing new ROTC programs for students there and in the eight other Coast Guard districts around the country,” said Rep. Thompson.
The Thompson Coast Guard ROTC amendment was passed through the Committee on Homeland Security by voice vote and will likely be considered by the Full House of Representatives in two weeks.
For More Information:
Please contact Dena Graziano or Todd Levett at (202) 226-2616
