CommunityEditor
07-03-2007, 07:05 PM
A powerful Minnesota congressman plans to call for hearings on whether the Coast Guard’s maritime regulatory duties should be spun off to a new government agency or transferred to an existing one.
Rep. James Oberstar, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said June 26 he wants a “conversation” to discuss whether the Coast Guard’s certification, licensing and regulatory role would be better served by a new agency or an existing one like the U.S. Maritime Administration, which oversees the Merchant Marine and federal reserve fleets.
Oberstar said he has concerns regarding the Coast Guard’s ability to handle its regulatory role as it expands its homeland security and law enforcement efforts. He cited examples of mariners having to wait long periods for licensing or required testing because of backlogs.
Oberstar’s proposal to remove the maritime safety mission would violate the Homeland Security Act of 2002, which created the Department of Homeland Security.
The act stipulates that the Coast Guard was to remain intact “with all authorities, function and capabilities” of the service when transferred from the Transportation Department to DHS.
Oberstar voted against passage of the Homeland Security Act and has repeatedly cited the transfer of the Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency among the reasons why.
“Some day, we’ll have [the Coast Guard] back to DOT where it belongs,” Oberstar said.
The back-door discussions among legislators and shipping lobbyists have alarmed some within the Coast Guard who believe the service should maintain its entire mission set.
Coast Guard commandant Adm. Thad Allen moved June 29 to quell concerns with a Coast Guard-wide message on the topic.
“This is not in the best interest of the Coast Guard or the nation,” Allen wrote of the proposal. “I am committed to preserving our longstanding role as the world’s leader in maritime safety and am working with Congress to ensure we maintain our current maritime safety duties and authorities.”
In accordance with the Homeland Security Act, the Coast Guard has remained largely intact since the transfer to its new home, with a few exceptions.
Article: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/07/coastguard_newagency_070703w/
What do you think? Should this move occur, leave it be or some blending of the two?
Rep. James Oberstar, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said June 26 he wants a “conversation” to discuss whether the Coast Guard’s certification, licensing and regulatory role would be better served by a new agency or an existing one like the U.S. Maritime Administration, which oversees the Merchant Marine and federal reserve fleets.
Oberstar said he has concerns regarding the Coast Guard’s ability to handle its regulatory role as it expands its homeland security and law enforcement efforts. He cited examples of mariners having to wait long periods for licensing or required testing because of backlogs.
Oberstar’s proposal to remove the maritime safety mission would violate the Homeland Security Act of 2002, which created the Department of Homeland Security.
The act stipulates that the Coast Guard was to remain intact “with all authorities, function and capabilities” of the service when transferred from the Transportation Department to DHS.
Oberstar voted against passage of the Homeland Security Act and has repeatedly cited the transfer of the Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency among the reasons why.
“Some day, we’ll have [the Coast Guard] back to DOT where it belongs,” Oberstar said.
The back-door discussions among legislators and shipping lobbyists have alarmed some within the Coast Guard who believe the service should maintain its entire mission set.
Coast Guard commandant Adm. Thad Allen moved June 29 to quell concerns with a Coast Guard-wide message on the topic.
“This is not in the best interest of the Coast Guard or the nation,” Allen wrote of the proposal. “I am committed to preserving our longstanding role as the world’s leader in maritime safety and am working with Congress to ensure we maintain our current maritime safety duties and authorities.”
In accordance with the Homeland Security Act, the Coast Guard has remained largely intact since the transfer to its new home, with a few exceptions.
Article: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2007/07/coastguard_newagency_070703w/
What do you think? Should this move occur, leave it be or some blending of the two?