Today. over 50 percent of the U.S. population lives within the coastal zone. and directly benefits from the services the Coast Guard provides. But. indirectly. the Coast Guard. in the performance of its mission. protects every American. In fact. more than twothirds of the total budget for the Coast Guard goes to operating expenses to protect public safety and the marine environment. enforce laws and treaties. maintain aids to navigation. prevent illegal drug trafficking and illegal immigration. and preserve defense readiness. With this high demand for services I am amazed that the Coast Guard would consider reducing its operations but in response to our budget dilemma that is exactly what it is doing. The Coast Guard is in the process of an internal downsizing and streamlining program which in 4 years will reduce its size by 12 percent or 4.000 people. and cut $400 million.
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illegal immigration