Senate votes to approve authorization for the Coast Guard

The Senate passed a bill authorizing funds the U.S. Coast Guard for another two years.

Sen. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.) introduced the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act, H.R. 2838, which funds the Coast Guard through the end of 2015 and authorizes roughly $7 billion per year.

The Senate passed the bill by voice-vote on Wednesday. The House passed the same measure last week.

Sen. Mark Begich (D-Alaska) said that although it took a while to work out the difference between the House and Senate versions, that an agreement was reached that has “incredible value” to the country.

The bill now heads to President Obama’s desk for his signature. 

Rep. John Mica (R-Fla.) co-sponsored the bill.

---