The Coast Guard is one of our Nations most efficient and costeffective agencies. even though it has been asked to carry out an increasing number of missions without the proper allocation of resources. Since 1970. 14 Federal laws have been enacted to significantly broaden the scope of the Coast Guards operations. In addition. Presidential directives have expanded the Coast Guards role in drug and refugee interdiction efforts. Yet. the Coast Guard has been asked to perform these new tasks. as well as fulfill its existing responsibilities. with relatively small personnel levels and bare bones budgets. In fact. during this decade the number of Coast Guard personnel has actually decreased by more than 1.800 people.