Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2007: report of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation on S. 1892

LC Number: KF31 .C69 2008a OCLC Number: (OCoLC)191957579 Subject: United States -- Appropriations and expenditures, 2007. Excerpt: ...22,768 gallons, and a considerable number of spills are still occurring. In 2004, there were 3,897 reported vessel spills in U.S. waters, including 35 spills from tank ships, 143 spills from barges, and 1,527 spills from other vessels, including cargo ships. Another 1,055 were from unknown sources. Furthermore, even though the number of spills from tankers declined from 193 spills in 1992 to 35 spills in 2004, a single incident from a vessel like the Exxon Valdez can be devastating, both environmentally and economically. The transportation of hazardous cargo in the maritime domain, particularly the transportation of highly combustible liquid energy products, poses a unique threat to the safety and security of our nation's ports and the urban populations surrounding them. Summary of Provisions S. 1892, as reported, would authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard accounts covered in the bill totaling approximately $8.2 billion for FY 2008. Operating Expenses.--The Coast Guard uses over two-thirds of its total budget conducting operations in support of its primary mission areas: protecting public safety and the marine environment; safeguarding our ports, waterways, and coastal areas; enforcing laws and treaties, including preventing illegal drug trafficking, interdicting illegal aliens and enforcing fisheries laws; maintaining aids to navigation; and preserving defense readiness. For FY 2008, S. 1892 would authorize $5.894 billion for operating expenses, an increase of approximately $326 million from the FY 2007 appropriated level. From that amount, $24.5 million would be transferred from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund to the operating expenses account. AC&I.--AC&I funds are used to pay for major capital improvements, including vessel and aircraft acquisiti...