Washington, DC- Today, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, released the following statement about the passage of the Coast Guard Act of 2007, which contains Congresswoman Jackson Lee’s amendment mandating assistance programs for many of America’s ports:

 “I am proud to support the passage of H.R. 2830, ‘Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007.’ This important legislation will provide our nation’s Coast Guard with the resources it need in order to successfully execute all its missions.

 “This bill sets forth various provisions that will be beneficial to our maritime interests, and consequently to our national security. Included in the provisions are the establishments of grants for international maritime organizations, the establishment of the Merchant Mariner Medical Advisory Committee, and codified various provisions relating to Coast Guard personnel matters. This legislation also includes a provision that I provided to the committee that enhances security at our nation’s ports.

 "My amendment mandates the creation of a strategic plan to utilize assistance programs to assist ports and facilities that are found by the Secretary not to maintain effective anti-terrorism measures. We ensure that every port in America is secure and I am proud that this bill includes my amendment that addressed this security concern.

"As a senior Member of the House Homeland Security Committee, I believe protecting our nation by air, land, and sea are critical components to our national security interests. Long before the horrific events of September 11th, 2001, citizens of American relied upon the Coast Guard to ensure the safety of our waterways, and we depend on them still. I am proud to be a supporter of this legislation ensuring that this rich and necessary tradition remains a thriving and useful part of our national defense strategy.”

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