Coast Guard Budget Request & Reauthorization

The Administration requests $7.5 billion for fiscal year 2005 for the Coast Guard. This request is $430 million, or approximately 6.1 percent, more than the amount appropriated for the Coast Guard in fiscal year 2004. Included in the request is $5.2 billion for Operating Expenses, $101 million to implement the Maritime Transportation Security Act, and $942.6 million for Acquisitions, Construction and Improvements (including $678 million for the Deepwater Capability Replacement Project). This week, leaders of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee plan to introduce the Coast Guard Authorization Act For FY 2005. As the fifth armed force of the United States, the Coast Guard also maintains defense readiness to operate as a specialized service in the Navy upon the declaration of war or when the President directs. The Coast Guard is composed of approximately 37,000 active duty military personnel, 9,000 reservists, 6,400 civilian employees, and 32,000 volunteers of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Coast Guard has defended the nation in every war since 1790. (HK Law)