It also reduces the Coast Guards numerous tasks by both shifting the responsibility of some of its functions to other Government agencies or the private sector which can properly handle them and eliminating others which have lost usefulness. thus alleviating the load of its overburdened schedule for a more efficient operation. We are all aware of the crisis that erupted last February when the Coast Guard. critically overburdened and underfunded. with no apparent hope insight. engaged in a major costreduction program which would have crippled its activities all across the Nation. including Puerto Rico. and put in a predicament the fulfillment of its mission. We then realized the longoverdue time in which we overlooked the Coast Guards needs and took for granted its invaluable and effective services in lifesaving. preventing drug smuggling and illegal immigration. and insuring safe boat operations of small crafts as well as cargo and passenger vessels. among others. Fortunately. only minor reductions were made given the understanding that the Congress was to give prompt attention and careful consideration to the existing needs of the Coast Guard. And we did. The record shows that we need to put more resources at the disposal of the Coast Guard to enable it to continue carrying out successfully its historic mission. Mr. Chairman. the opportunity for us to avoid having to face a crippled Coast Guard and enhancing the possibility of a greater calamity in the seas or making our Nation. including Puerto Rico. more vulnerable to drug smuggling and entrance of illegal immigrants lies before us. We must not compromise in areas where lives and our peoples security are at stake. The American people demand no less and the Congress can do no less.
Keywords matched
illegal immigrants illegal immigration