This bill authorizes nearly $1 billion for Coast Guard acquisitions programs. a large sum to be sure. But Senator CANTWELL and I. and the rest of the Coast Guards oversight subcommittee will closely monitor developments with the program to ensure that the mistakes of Deepwaters past are not carried over into its future. This bill also includes a provision to increase the Coast Guards ability to prosecute those engaged in illegal alien smuggling in the maritime environment. Under current law and practice. individuals have to be seriously injured or die In a maritime migrant smuggling event before the smugglers are faced with meaningful legal penalties. This allows organized groups of experienced smugglers to operate with near impunity. facilitating the entry of thousands of illegal immigrants annually. The Maritime Allen Smuggling Law Enforcement Act. contained within this bill would close this serious loophole at the frontline of our homeland security efforts. The bill also contains provisions vital to navigation security. including a requirement that the Coast Guard continue to operate the LORANC navigation system.
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