Coast Guard authorization approved in House vote

The House on Tuesday afternoon approved legislation that would authorize the Coast Guard through 2014, and also sets a single, national standard for ballast water discharge that Democrats opposed. The bill was approved by voice vote after a motion to recommit the bill failed.

The bill is aimed at letting the Coast Guard maintain current personnel levels for the next three years. It provides $8.5 billion in 2012, $8.6 billion in 2013 and $8.7 billion in 2014.

The inclusion of environmental provisions was a focus of Democratic opposition throughout the several days of debate on the bill, H.R. 2838. Specifically, the bill would set one standard for ballast water discharge, a provision aimed at making it easier for commercial vessels to comply with an environmental guideline that can now shift from state to state.

Democrats tried unsuccessfully in early November to moderate this language.

The Obama administration has said it opposes the bill because it would decommission the icebreaker USCGC POLAR STAR, although its statement did not specifically say it would veto the bill.

Before the final vote, the House accepted an amendment from Resident Commissioner Pedro Pierluisi (D-Puerto Rico), which would ease the Passenger Vessel Services Act so non-U.S. vessels in Puerto Rico can transport passengers for hire.

---